Multiple fire crews battle second Folly blaze in less than a week
Landowners reminded the burning of vegetation is prohibited in summer months.
Multiple fire crews are tonight battling the spread of a significant grass fire at Fleming's Folly- the second blaze to break out and threaten the popular Ballinagh beauty spot in less than a week.
Firefighters from Cavan Town, Belturbet and Killeshandra were mobilised after the alarm was raised earlier this evening, with crews facing challenging conditions as flames spread across the remote hillside.
Firefighters are working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further across the surrounding vegetation using water and beaters, although efforts are all the more difficult due to the isolated rural location.
The latest incident comes just days after firefighters, assisted by local farmers, spent almost five hours bringing a significant grass fire at the same location under control last Sunday.
During that operation, crews relied on beaters and water carried to the scene by fire tenders, while additional appliances established water relays to ferry supplies to the remote hilltop.
Local farmers also played a vital role, using tractors and tankers to direct water onto burning vegetation.
Following Sunday's incident, Cavan Fire Service thanked the farming community for their assistance, describing their support as invaluable in helping crews tackle the difficult terrain.
The back-to-back fires come as Cavan County Council has urged the public to remain vigilant for forest, gorse and grass fires during the current spell of hot, dry weather, with forecasters predicting the heatwave could continue until the end of July.
Fleming's Folly, the landmark stone tower overlooking Ballinagh approximately 1.5km off the N55, is a popular destination for walkers, picnics and barbecues.
Landowners are also reminded that the burning of growing vegetation on uncultivated land is prohibited during the summer months.
Anyone who discovers a fire is urged to dial 112 or 999 immediately.