A condition-red forest fire danger warning has been extended by the Department of Agriculture until 12pm Wednesday 11 July.

The use of BBQs or fires on forest lands and public amenities should be avoided, according to the Department.

Fire fighters have tackled more than 400 wildfires in the last month, with the majority of call-outs occurring during the last week when the previous fire warning was in place.

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The Irish Air Corps has been called in and has dropped over a quarter of a million litres of water in a bid to help fire services battle wildfires.

Large wildfires have been reported in Limerick, Louth, Donegal, Cork and Dublin. Members of the public are urged not to approach gorse or forest fires and to call emergency services.

The burning of gorse on farmland is illegal until 31 August.

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