Multiple fire crews are tackling an extensive fire on bog land close to Strokestown, Co Roscommon.

Video footage from local senator Eugene Murphy shows the extent of the blaze.

The area has large turf banks on either side of the road Strokestown to Tarmonbarry.

Closed season

The legal season for burning vegetation ended on 28 February.

It is an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 (amended by Section 46 of the Wildlife Act 2000) to burn from 1 March to 31 August in any year any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated.

Illegally burned land is not eligible for CAP payments and, where it is identified that lands were burnt during the closed season, it may result in a Department inspection. There is also a risk of prosecution.