Large gorse fires were reported in several locations in Galway with emergency services called in to battle the big blazes.
One incident took place in Knocknacarra with plumes of smoke observed by eyewitnesses late Wednesday evening.
At the time, the gorse fire, most devastating when the flower bed and earth is dry and which are illegal to start between March and September to protect wildlife, was said to be approaching nearby houses in the area, Galway Beo reports.
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An eyewitness to the fire told Galway Beo: "Big fires west of knocknacarra, plume of smoke all evening out west. It's getting close to houses now, I'm just back dropping off a poster to a friend on the Rahoon Road. I took a spin further out as far as Ballybeg. It's across a field from the big rock on the right of the road, driving west."
Councillor John Connolly stated that close to 9pm, the fire brigade were battling "an extensive gorse fire in the western suburbs of the city." This was the townlands of Tonabrocky and Boleybeg, with road diversions put in place.
The continued dry and hot weather, over 22C in the west, has also prompted a warning from Uisce Eireann on a potential water shortage for Galway and the city environs.
Uisce Éireann has warned Galway residents to be "mindful" of their water consumption as the heat created an increase in both domestic and commercial water needs.
Uisce Éireann’s Operations Lead Eoin Hughes said: "Extended periods of dry weather puts considerable demands on our water supplies.
"Several of our water treatment plants are operating at almost full capacity, so we are appealing to our customers to be mindful of their water usage and avoid non-essential use of the drinking water supply during this most recent period of dry weather," he said.
He said that any reduction that customers can make in their usage can collectively result in significant supply improvements for all customers.
"I would ask that consumers in Galway play their part to help conserve water during this dry period and throughout the summer," Mr Hughes added.
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