Calls for controlled burn period to be extended to prevent wildfires

A massive gorse fire decimated hundreds of acres in Seskin, Bantry, in April 2021. Picture: Andy Gibson.

Calls have been made for the controlled burn period to be extended, following acknowledgement that action by farmers and landowners are central to controlling wildfires.

As the ground dries out quickly after the winter, upland grasses, heather and gorse become highly flammable.