Fire crews battle major blaze in Mountmellick 

FIRE crews are battling a serious blaze in Mountmellick this evening.

Some residents had to be evacuated from their homes in a housing estate as a precaution, amid fears that the nearby meadow fire could spread to their properties.

A large team of emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before 6pm, when the rapidly spreading wildfire took hold in Smiths Field.

The area was filled with thick smoke billowing towards the Kirwan Park estate, as flames rose in the large wild meadow at Smiths Field.

A large number of gardaí are at the scene and are assisting residents and firefighters, as they deal with the emergency.

Flames were still erupting after 7pm, as fire quickly spread through scrub, vegetation and hedgerows that are extremely dry after the long heatwave.

Fire units will remain at the site for some hours after damping down the blaze, to prevent further outbreaks and ensure that the site is safe.  

People in the town are advised to keep their windows and doors closed as thick smoke spreads around the area.

Laois remains under a 'Condition Orange - High Fire Risk' until noon on Tuesday, 4 August. 

The county's fire and rescue service has issued repeated warnings to take extreme care after the prolonged dry spell.