The large gorse fire on the Slieve Bloom mountains is now officially out.
The news was confirmed by the Offaly Fire Service that the last two fire fighters on the scene left late last night, “safe and sound”.
It brings to an end a dramatic few days in which fire fighters from Laois and Offaly battled to bring the large fire under control.
However, the damage will now have to be assessed with groups such as Birdwatch Ireland alarmed at the harm caused to local wildlife.
One baby deer had a lucky escape and was rescued from the fire by local fire fighters.
It is believed approximately 250 acres of land was damaged by the fire.
Two air corps helicpoters were in operation dropping water on to burning areas as efforts to contain the fire continued since Wednesday.
The efforts of the local fire fighters was praised by local people.
“The Slieve Bloom Association sincerely wishes to thank Laois County Fire and Rescue Service, Offaly Fire and Rescue Service, the Air Corps, Coillte and members of the Defence Forces for going above and beyond to contain the significant blaze which engulfed parts of the mountains since yesterday afternoon,” the association posted on its Facebook page.
They also reminded people to exercise caution when lighting fires and disposing of cigarette butts, as a red warning remains in place due to drought.
“Please be vigilant and don’t light a flame near dry vegetation,” the Slieve Bloom Association warned.
SEE ALSO – UPDATED: Road closures now in place as people urged not to travel to view Slieve Bloom fire
