Firefighters battle ‘great bushfire’ on Irish mountain popular with tourists and hikers as they issue major warning

FIREFIGHTERS battled a “major bushfire” on Mount Leinster last night after being called to the scene of the massive blaze.

Fire services attended the picturesque Nine Stones area, which is popular with tourists and hikers, at around midnight.

Units from Bagenalstown Fire Brigade in Co Carlow rushed to the scene late last night as they battled to contain the inferno.

The fire is burning on the highest peak of the 794 meter high mountain between the border of Co Carlow and Co Wexford.

It is not yet known whether the fire has been extinguished, but The Irish Sun has contacted the Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service for comment.

The public was urged to stay away from the area last night and this morning.

Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service warned that burning wild vegetation is illegal.

A spokesperson wrote: “Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 prohibits the felling, felling, burning or other destruction of vegetation growing on “any land not then under cultivation” between March 1 and August 31 of each year.

“This is to protect bird life during the breeding season, to help prevent bushfires and to protect vegetation and wildlife habitats during the months of growth and reproduction.

“Suspected breaches of section 40 of the Wildlife Act can be reported to [email protected] or your local Garda station.

“Breaches of section 40 of the Wildlife Act constitute a crime against wildlife and may lead to prosecution.”