It was a tough night: Irish firefighters had the terrible task of battling a blaze in the heart of Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Ireland. After 4 hours of fierce fighting, the fire was finally brought under control. But the toll was heavy: it is estimated that over 60 hectares of the Park went up in smoke.
Most of the fire took place near Dinis, in the middle of the National Park. Damage was contained, and only 60 hectares out of 10,236 were affected. An unfortunate outcome, but one that has not affected the wild beauty of this fabulous, world-famous park.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) fought the fire with support from two units of the Kenmare and Killarney fire services and Kerry County Council.
After investigation, it would appear that the fire was started by human intervention: some Irish people had tried to burn the tall grass to clear their land. A common occurrence in Ireland in the spring, but illegal from March to August.
In response to such a disaster, the Ministry of Agriculture, Heritage and Gaeltacht criticized those who set the fire on Twitter.
As well as diverting emergency services, it’s illegal to burn land at the moment, and those who do so face penalties. Now is the ideal season for birds to nest, mammals to breed and habitats to regenerate after winter, NPWS is calling on the public to stop burning gorse. he declared
This was compounded by widespread criticism from the public and the government. As a reminder, the mobilization of firefighters for this fire, at a time when Ireland is in the midst of a pandemic, sparked outrage among the Irish people. Many blame the fire’s perpetrators for being irresponsible, at a time when the country is experiencing a fierce battle against COVID-19.
A Kerry Co Council spokesman added:
Thanks to our firefighters for working through the night. This is an unnecessary strain on our resources at a time of national emergency.
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