Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan
Half an acre of Killarney National Park land was destroyed in a gorse fire that sparked in the Eagle’s Nest at Five Mile Bridge on Wednesday night.
Kerry Fire and Rescue Service crews and National Park and Wildlife Service conservation rangers battled with the blaze which was quickly contained with just a section of mainly of wet heath impacted.
The area is a well-known scenic stop, along the N71 Killarney to Kenmare Road road.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is appealing to the public not to light fires or barbecues in public places.
The park outdoor staff have engaged in fire prevention training and there is now increased fire patrol and aerial monitoring with helicopters and drones in Killarney National Park.
Divisional Manager with the NPWS, Eamonn Meskell said April is a precious time for wildlife and their vulnerable young, especially ground-nesting birds and mammals who will shortly be rearing their young.
“We are asking for help and cooperation to protect our national park. We are also asking that the public be vigilant and report any fire activity without delay,” he said.
Paudie Mangan, Station Officer with the Killarney Fire Service, said he and his colleagues have to put themselves at risk every time somebody illegally burns gorse.
“We spend hours and sometimes days extinguishing a fire. Not only does it put the lives of the fire service at risk, it puts people’s homes and livelihoods at risk,” he said.
“Every time we are attending a gorse fire we are taking personnel and resources away from the frontline, away from a house fire, away from a road traffic collision and other emergencies, Mr Mangan added.
“The next time you are thinking about burning gorse – think again,” he appealed.
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