Extensive Gorey gorse fire brought under control
A major gorse fire which broke out in Co Wexford on Sunday afternoon has been brought under control almost 24 hours after it first started.
The blaze broke out on Tara Hill in Gorey at around 3.45pm, with seven units from Wexford and Wicklow Fire Services battling the blaze overnight along with gardaí, local farmers and Coillte officials in a bid bring it under control.
Advertisement
Wexford County Council fire service also ensured that several water tankers were available. Water has also been drawn from the river Ahare.
The blaze initially seemed under control but intensified overnight due to nearby sea breezes.
Dry weather conditions are making it easier for the fire to spread.
Malcolm Byrne, North Wexford TD said the blaze is 'deeply worrying'.
Advertisement
A helicopter flew over the extensive scene at 12.40pm on Monday and dispersed water helping to reducing the fire keeping flames away from properties in the vicinity. The multi-agency operation is continuing but is now a dampening down operation and fire units remain at the scene.
The Council continues to monitor air quality and are advising residents and businesses to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution. A drone is also being used to watch over any threat of another fire igniting.
There is already a significant impact to wildlife and the environment in the area.
As a result of no significant rainfall in the past month, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is warning that there is a high fire risk or status orange alert.
The orange warning has been in effect since 3pm last Friday and will last until midday on Tuesday.
According to the Department, current weather patterns indicate a high fire risk 'in all areas' where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BreakingNews.ie
3 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Thunderstorm warning issued for five counties
Met Éireann has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for five counties on Saturday. A yellow warning has been in place since 1:55 pm for Waterford and Wexford until 6 pm. Advertisement A yellow warning has also been issued for Carlow, Kilkenny, and Tipperary. It was issued at 3:29pm, and is set to last until 6pm. Met Éireann has warned of lightning damage and spot flooding. Some showers will be heavy and thundery with some hail possible before they become more isolated this evening. Cool with highest temperatures of 12 to 16 degrees in moderate northwest winds. Saturday night will see showers spread across the country from the northwest. Lowest temperatures will be from four to nine degrees.
Reuters
a day ago
- Reuters
Breaking International News & Views
Item 1 of 5 A drone view shows the early stages of the rewetting process at Ballaghurt Bog, near Clongawny, Ireland, April 16, 2024. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne [1/5] A drone view shows the early stages of the rewetting process at Ballaghurt Bog, near Clongawny, Ireland, April 16, 2024. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Wildfire prevention urged by London Fire Brigade after dry spring
Fire breaks should be introduced to open areas to prevent wildfires this summer, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has is likely to be one of the driest on record, according to the Met Office, and landowners and councils are being asked to play their part to reduce the under half of the capital is considered to be green space, many of which lie next to homes and breaks can be created by removing grass or ploughing earth to exclude any flammable vegetation, forming a barrier that prevents the easy spread of flames. LFB's deputy commissioner Charlie Pugsley said grass fires could spread particularly rapidly, as seen in the capital as well as worldwide in California and South 2022, London experienced record-breaking temperatures and long periods of dry weather that resulted in some of the most severe wildfires the city has ever had. James St John Davis, from the City of London Corporation's natural environment board, said: "As custodians of some of London's most iconic open spaces, we manage complex landscapes that are often right next to people's homes where the threat of wildfire is very real."We reduce risk through seasonal grass cutting, natural fire breaks, and widespread staff training to respond swiftly, often before emergency crews arrive. This year we've also invested in three new fire fogging units to tackle contained fires, such as those caused by barbecues." Grass fires can be prevented by avoiding the use of disposable BBQs in parks and open spaces, ensuring cigarettes are put out completely and disposed of correctly, and taking rubbish home if no bins are can also help by maintaining their gardens by preventing them becoming overgrown.
