PICS: Aerial photos from 3,000 feet show the devastating extent of the gorse fires in Galway

The fires are out of control in Ireland’s biggest forest.

Aerial photos taken by Galway Flying club at a height of over 3,000 feet illustrate the extent of the gorse fires that are currently ranging in Cloosh Valley forest in Galway, the largest forest in Ireland. After fires were originally brought under control on Tuesday morning, the blaze subsequently reignited again across the 4,000 hectare site and aerial photos taken by the Galway flying club earlier today and sent to JOE by Damien Carrick illustrate the impact they have had on the area. According to the Connacht Tribune, a regional emergency response has been put into operation in Galway and a blanket of smoke has drifted into Galway city and the surrounding areas. The Irish Air Corps, who have been assisting local fire services in their attempts to battle the blaze, also posted the video below on Twitter on Tuesday evening. https://twitter.com/IrishAirCorps/status/861998126810382337 Reports suggest the fires broke out because of people lighting fires illegally in the area. In a statement, Galway Green Party representative Pauline O'Reilly said: "We have got to get serious about blazes which have been ravaging our beautiful countryside throughout March, April and May. “Burning is illegal from March 1, through to September. "Coillte are clear that they believe, as do local residents, that these fires have been lit illegally putting tremendous pressure on fire services and having a detrimental effect on wildlife."