Crews bring Clare gorse and forestry fire under control
Clare County Fire & Rescue Service were mobilised to a wildfire in the townland of Kilmoon near Lisdoonvarna in recent days (Monday May 5).
Resources from Ennistymon, Ennis and Shannon Fire Brigades attended the significant bog gorse and forestry fire which continued throughout the day.
Assistance was provided by the Clare Civil Defence Drone Unit in providing a live overview of the area affected.
A spokesperson for Clare County Fire & Rescue Service said this allowed for the appropriate deployment of personnel to deal with containing the fire, together with protecting property and nearby forestry.
Following a request for aerial support through the duty officer at the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, a helicopter fitted with a 'Bambi Bucket' was mobilised to assist the fire service teams in dealing with the incident.
Approximately 50ha of land was affected directly.
"Due to the work and persistence of the fire personnel, with the assistance of the civil defence drone unit and aerial support, the fire was contained to this area," the spokesperson said.
"All personnel involved worked hard in difficult conditions throughout the day and at approximately [10:00p.m], fire service personnel were satisfied that the fire was out."
No damage has been reported to any buildings.
This fire occurred during the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) Condition Orange – High Fire Risk period.
Clare County Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to appeal to forest owners, farmers, rural dwellers, and other countryside users to be extremely vigilant regarding fire activity.
All fires should be immediately reported to the Fire and Emergency Services by calling 112 or 999.
Last week, Coillte urged the public to avoid lighting fires or barbecues in high-risk areas outdoors and to remember:
- Do not light fires in the outdoors around forests or open land;
- Do not attempt to intervene or fight forest fires under any circumstances;
- In the event of a fire, gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire;
- Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location;
- Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all emergency service instructions.
Landowners and rural users are advised to stay alert, report any suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána, and ensure emergency access routes remain clear.
