Warning on gorse fire dangers

A WARNING was given yesterday that fire services in Kerry could be delayed in getting to major incidents because of the large number of gorse fires they have to deal with.

Since Friday last, Kerry fire brigades have attended up to 70 gorse fires, some of which threatened private forestry, as well as ancient woodlands in Killarney National Park.

Tralee Fire Brigade station officer Nigel Corner said its biggest problem at this time of year was that the service was stretched completely while dealing with these fires.

“With so many crews attending these fires, it means that our services are depleted if there’s a serious traffic accident, or another major incident,” Mr Corner said.

“With fire units so engaged, there could be time delays in getting to major incidents, which is something we’re very concerned about,” he said.

Even though gorse burning is illegal at this time of year, many fires traditionally take place in April.

Under the Wildlife Act, such fires are not allowed between March 31 and August 31.

Most of the fires are started by landowners with the intention of burning off unwanted vegetation.

On Monday evening, six fire tenders from Castleisland, Tralee, Listowel and Abbeyfeale attended a fire in the Cordal area, outside Castleisland. That operation took six hours and was followed by calls to similar fires in the Ballydesmond and Derrymore areas.

Fire brigades throughout Kerry were busy during the weekend dealing with gorse fires in several areas, especially Killarney and Killorglin. A blaze fanned by a strong wind on Mangerton mountain came close to Killarney National Park.