Shovels and water tankers are being used since early morning to quell an ongoing fire in Killarney National Park.

Helicopters with Bambi buckets, which can drop 800 litres of water, were also recalled to the area.

The fire, which burned through over 20 hectares of the park on Tuesday afternoon, is suspected to have been ignited by a disposable barbecue which was used on a ledge overlooking the Long Range area of the park.

Brought under control after six hours, it has proved more difficult to contain than anticipated.

Early this morning, on the fourth day of the fire, flare-ups were continuing and fire personnel as well as staff from the National Parks and Wildlife Service were in action in the Five Mile Bridge area.

Day 4 Wildfire Killarney National ParkÉamonn Meskell, Divisional Manager NPWS working tirelessly This morning at the 5 Mile Bridge, the site of Tuesday evenings devastating wildlife, it continues to be actively monitored by staff and fire crew of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) with f
Underground fires with wind had led to flare ups (Credit: NPWS)

The N71 Moll’s Gap to Muckross Road through the Killarney National Park has been reopened after being closed on Thursday afternoon because of a threat to safety of passing traffic.

But the popular tourist route may have to be closed again, Kerry County Council has warned.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area between Moll’s Gap and Torc Waterfall/Muckross House.

Acting director of roads with Kerry County Council Vincent Horgan said the situation was “very unpredictable”.

Day 4 WildfireKillarney National ParkMary Sheehan, Regional Manager NPWS and Brendan Lynch, NPWS fire crew, working tirelessly This morning at the 5 Mile Bridge, the site of Tuesday evenings devastating wildlife, it continues to be actively monitored by staff and fire crew of the National Parks and
Mary Sheehan, Regional Manager NPWS and Brendan Lynch, NPWS at Five Mile Bridge (Credit: NPWS)

Underground fires with wind and warm weather had led to flare ups close to the N71 on Thursday, he said.

Oak, heath and bog have been affected, and the concern is for the large swathes of ancient oak woodland in the area.

Monitoring is taking place by Kerry County Council, the fire service, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The public is urged not to light fires in the park.

Watch: Drone footage shows wildfire damage in Killarney National Park