The blaze was so aggressive that the road between Clonaslee and Mountrath had to be closed. The rescue operators urged people not to travel around the area to "have a look".

All roads from Kinnitty, Cadamstown and Mountmellick to the Slieve Bloom woods were also mentioned by the team to be avoided. People were asked not to travel to view the site as there was concern that visitors would "hamper operations".

Due to the possibility that wind directions can quickly change, the rescuers were concerned that people near the woods would become "isolated and trapped by fire spread". Helicopter water drops began in the area yesterday and they continued for hours to calm the blaze.

Both Birr and Ferbane fire brigades were in attendance. Coillte was also on site.

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Over 400 wildfires tackled by fire services