Firefighters are battling to protect homes on Achill this evening as a gorse fire engulfs the Island.

The Fire service is prioritising homes in the area and it's currently said to be starting to move past the properties - it's not yet known how many houses are involved.

A large section of the island is engulfed in smoke this evening.

Gardaí say at present there is nothing to suggest it was started maliciously, it took hold yesterday afternoon, but got worse later on today.

Gorse fire out of control at Saula Hill in Achill. One home evacuated, several more in danger. https://t.co/af9ZBg2GDP pic.twitter.com/e1mt0zNlX5

— Mid West Radio (@radiomidwest) May 11, 2017