Watch: Fire service tackling wildfires across Co Kerry

A picture sent to the Irish Examiner news desk appears to show the extent of the blaze.

Several units of the fire service in Kerry are tonight battling against wildfires in the south and the east of the county.

The worst affected was the Caherdaniel area where crews from Sneem were joined by those from Cahersiveen and Killarney as uncontrolled burning spread near houses.

There were fears also for powerlines and traffic with roads overcome with smoke.

Huge amounts of smoke from the burning foliage were making the task difficult and wind was also a factor, according to fire service personnel.

A water tanker from Killarney joined the local crews at around 3:30pm and seven hours later, the mountain blazes were still being brought under control.

There were a number of call outs also in the Killarney area with crews called to bog fires in Kilcummin, north of the town. 

An eye was also being kept on the Mangerton area of the Killarney National Park where last week crews were called out three times after illegal burning alongside a forested area.

It is illegal to burn under the Wildlife Acts between March 1 and August 31.