Now that the fire that ravaged Killarney National Park at the weekend has been extinguished, it’s time to assess the damage. And the results are dramatic: it is estimated that between 2,500 and 3,000 hectares of the 5,000-hectare park have been devastated by the flames. These appalling figures mark the transformation of one of Ireland’s most important national parks.
It took firefighters 3 days and 3 nights to extinguish the blaze. But despite their bravery and dedication, the toll is horrifying. Killarney National Park, considered a national treasure, has been disfigured by a potentially deliberate fire. From the outset, investigators have not ruled out arson. (The coincidence with another fire in the Montagnes de Mournes over the weekend is striking).
Although the inventory is not yet complete, it is estimated that Killarney Park has lost some of its oldest oak trees. Trees considered to be the oldest in Ireland.
Thousands of acres of our precious #KillarneyNationalPark have been destroyed. @npwsBioData @DeptHousingIRL @countykerry @IrishAirCorps and so many #Volunteers have worked tirelessly to contain the fire @radiokerrynews @MichealMartinTD pic.twitter.com/cSmjBPrk37
— Valerie O'Sullivan (@valphoto) April 25, 2021
Added to this is the loss of extremely rare bird nests. Indeed, many endangered harriers used to nest here in the park. A real blow to the park’s ecosystem, flora and fauna, and its fragile balance.
Worse still, it is estimated that 3/4 of the park fell victim to the fire. Some areas were burnt to a crisp, while others, a minority, remained intact.
Although fire crews are still assessing the damage, one thing is certain: the face of Killarney Park as we knew it has changed profoundly. It will take dozens of years to recover its original beauty…
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