People asked not to light fires or barbecues in scenic areas after latest blaze in Killarney National Park

Fire broke out on Wednesday evening in a scenic stop along the N71 Killarney to Kenmare Road

The fire on Wednesday night broke out on heathland at a scenic picnic area at the Eagle's Nest, Five Mile Bridge, about 6pm. Picture: Valerie O'Sullivan

People in Kerry have been asked not to light fires in open spaces or set up barbecues in scenic spots after the latest blaze in Killarney National Park.

There have been a number of threats in recent weeks, as the anniversary of a devastating fire in April 2021, which engulfed the southwestern part of the park, approaches.

The fire on Wednesday evening broke out on heathland at a scenic picnic area at the Eagle's Nest, Five Mile Bridge, about 6pm and was reported to the National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Kerry Fire and Rescue Service crews and National Park and Wildlife Service conservation rangers attended the scene of the blaze, which is a well-known scenic stop, along the N71 Killarney to Kenmare Road, part of the Ring of Kerry.

NPWS divisional manager 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 your help and cooperation to protect our national park. We are also asking that the public be vigilant and report any fire activity without delay.” 

Minister of state for Nature, Heritage, and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said the latest incident was a timely threat to the natural surroundings.

“We all want to get out and enjoy the good weather but let’s do it responsibly and without putting nature, the park, and emergency services personnel and the general public at risk. I am appealing to everyone to be vigilant and not to light fires or barbecues in public places. That includes our national parks and nature reserves, coastal sand dunes, mountains and upland areas, forests, meadows and urban parks."

Meanwhile the NPWS is also engaging with farmers and others in the areas surrounding the national park, after a number of fires had to be contained in the Mangerton area alongside a major scots pine wood in recent weeks.

The fire service have been called to the scene on a number of occasions to bring the fires under control, while two weeks ago, houses in the south Kerry Caherdaniel area were threatened.

Fears have been mounting in Kerry that the fine weather will lead to increased burning, which is illegal since the end of February.

Under the Wildlife Act, it is prohibited to burn between March 1 and August 31.

The April 2021 wildfire saw a third — about 3,000 hectares — of Killarney National Park go up in flames. Severe damage was caused to nesting birds and there were also fears for water quality in the pristine upper and middle lakes.

A report into the fire has yet to be finalised and published.