Wildfires continue to rage in Killarney National Park and Mourne Mountains
The Taoiseach said the Kerry blaze has caused “devastating” damage. By Céimin Burke Sunday 25 Apr 2021, 8:33 AM 2 hours ago 11,945 Views 2 Comments
Image: PA
Image: PA
WILDFIRES CONTINUE TO rage in Killarney National Park in Co Kerry and in the Mourne Mountains in Co Down today.
Thousands of acres of the national park were engulfed in flames yesterday, prompting a massive fire fighting operation involving Kerry Fire Service, park and council staff, gardaí, Civil Defence and the Air Corps
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the damage caused by the blaze in Killarney Park was “devastating to see”.
The Five Mile.
Members of the public are also asked to exercise caution if travelling on the N71, as the emergency services vehicles in the area may cause some traffic congestion near the Five Mile Bridge. Motorists are also warned there may be reduced visibility in the area due to smoke.
1. A large fire & very serious is burning in Killarney National Park. @npwsBioData staff & the Fire Brigade are currently on site dealing with the incident. We are asking members of the public to avoid areas of the Park listed below until further notice: pic.twitter.com/3DdDiL8wZj Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage (@DeptHousingIRL) April 24, 2021
Updated / Saturday, 24 Apr 2021
16:15
Overnight huge fires were contained north of Killarney, in the Currow area, and north of Castleisland (Image: Maighread Forde)
The army helicopter is being called in as the fire service, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Kerry County Council continue to battle a huge fire in the Killarney National Park.
The fire, which broke out around midnight last night, has been fanned by a strong breeze and concern is mounting among exhausted fire fighters about the Park s ancient oakwoods in area near Eagle’s Nest. The breeze is complicating matters hugely, a council spokesman said.
Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Patrick O’Connor-Scarteen, said the next few hours will be critical, with the fire now deep in the park.
Firefighters battle severe blaze in Killarney National Park
Members of the public have been asked to avoid certain areas as the
Updated
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A large and very serious fire has spread through Killarney National Park, Kerry.
National Parks and Wildlife Service staff, along with the local fire brigade, are currently on site dealing with the incident.
An army helicopter has also been called in as the fire service, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Kerry County Council work to stem the flames.