A blaze that got out of control at a Bord na Mona site in Portlaoise on Monday was caused by the burning of coconut fibres.
Fire officers attended the Cul na Mona site near Togher Woods throughout the day on Monday after being alerted to a fire at about 8.30am.
Crews just finishing up now at the coconut fire (love repeating that). Gear being cleaned off and made ready for the next call.
— Laois Fire & Rescue (@LaoisFireRescue) February 20, 2017
Slightly unusual one, LS11, LS14 & LS17 in attendance at a coconut fibre fire near Portlaoise. pic.twitter.com/Pu6wFyW5w8
— Laois Fire & Rescue (@LaoisFireRescue) February 20, 2017
Our crews are still working at the coconut fire #multitasking pic.twitter.com/rmC3YodBlk
— Laois Fire & Rescue (@LaoisFireRescue) February 20, 2017
A large mound of coconut fibre (which is used by Bord na Mona as a mixing agent with peat moss for some products) was ablaze and spewing out thick black smoke.
The emergency services, led by assistant chief fire officer Anthony Tynan, brought the fire under control at 11.30am. And units from Portlaoise, Abbeyleix and Durrow continued to bring water to the site throughout the day.
