Athlone Fire Services battling haybarn fire since early hours

Athlone Fire Services are battling a haybarn fire close to the town since the early hours of this morning.

The alarm was raised just before 4am, according to Pat Hunt from Athlone Fire Services, who said the barn is located on farmland close to the college just beyond the bypass roundabout in the Kilmacuagh townland.

Plumes of smoke have been visible from early today, particularly, between Junction 9 (Garrycastle) and 10 (Ballymahon) and several people have contacted the fire services to alert them.

While Pat Hunt said the wind is making the task more difficult, he admitted it could be several hours before the fire is dealt with because hay is impervious to water and must be removed and put over the land and beaten out.

No other buildings have been affected by the fire, and there were no injuries, he confirmed.