Illegal hill fires - Huge cultural change needed

ILLEGALLY set hill fires are a regular and disheartening part of our summers and show that a considerable number of people still have a deep disregard for our shared environment and the laws enacted to protect it.

Fire units from across Kerry fought a hill fire that came close to destroying woods in Killarney National Park and eventually brought it under control in the early hours of yesterday morning. A Garda investigation is under way.

A number of fires were set in the Muckross area while the fire services were trying to bring the fire at Mangerton under control. This suggests a concerted effort, one that goes beyond environmental vandalism. There are a significant number of houses close to Mangerton and this is the second fire to threaten them this year.