Galway Bay fm newsroom - Two thousand hectares are still deemed to be at risk this evening following a forest fire in the Cloosh Valley in Connemara.
The Air Corps has intensified its efforts to contain the blaze with two helicopters dousing the flames with several gallons of water.
The fire which broke out last evening has already caused significant damage to a further two thousand hectares of land.
Emergency efforts to quell the blaze have been hampered by high winds and warm temperatures.
The operation will remain in place this evening and tonight as crews monitor the scene.
Coillte is urging the public to stay away from the area as the emergency operation continues.