While Northern Ireland is currently dealing with a terrible fire in the Slieve Donard area, Killarney National Park in the Republic of Ireland is experiencing another major fire. More than 400 hectares are currently devastated, destroying one of the greatest natural jewels on the island of Ireland.
Although the origins of the fire are still unknown, it is thought to have started around midnight on Saturday. Fueled by strong winds, it only took a few hours for the fire to spread over 400 hectares. Since then, firefighters have been working methodically to bring the outbreak under control and prevent it from spreading to the entire park.
Firefighters, national park staff and an army helicopter are trying to contain the huge blaze. The waters of the surrounding lakes have been requisitioned to extinguish the flames, and all local resources are currently being mobilized to contain the situation.
For the time being, the focus is on the southern and western bangs of Killarney National Park. The damage is already resounding and would have a terrible impact on the local ecosystem, flora and fauna.
The next few hours could be decisive to avoid affecting the rest of the region.
For the time being, crews have asked the public to avoid the area, and not to travel on the N71. The heavy smoke and ash would make visibility almost nil.
This fire affects a natural site known the world over. Killarney National Park, with its Ladies View, forests, waterfalls, Ross Castle and Muckross Abbey, is a major tourist attraction every year. Fingers crossed that this wild treasure can be preserved…
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