Wildfires on Ben Dash

Clare County Fire and Rescue Service is advising landowners to desist from burning activities due to a heightened risk of gorse, forest and bog fires.

The Fire Service says the warm, dry weather, combined with easterly winds, has created “tinderbox” conditions across the county

Firefighters from Ennis, Kilrush and Ennistymon responded to one of the largest wildfires of the year to date last evening when two square kilometres of bog and gorse were scorched on Ben Dash, located between Lissycasey and Kilmaley. Brigades were in attendance for nearly 11 hours at fires in the area.

With forecasts suggesting a return to drier conditions early next week, following some light rain this weekend, the Fire Service says the risk posed by uncontrolled burning remains high.

Denis O’Connell, senior assistant chief fire officer said that there has been significant damage to forestry and land as a result of last night’s fire. He also asked that people are vigilant and that they call the fire brigade if they see any uncontrolled fires.

“The highest risk period for quickly spreading fires occurs between March and June, when ground vegetation is dead and dry following the winter period. Fires have spread quickly this week due to the dry vegetation, low humidity and easterly winds which feed the fires,” he stated.

It is an offence under the Wildlife Act to burn growing vegetation between March 1and August 31 in any year, on any land not then cultivated. Details of the laws in relation to burning, and additional guidance are available on the Council website, www.clarecoco.ie.