Public urged not to start gorse fires after devastation to local landscape- McLoughlin

Fine Gael TD for Sligo-Leitrim, Tony McLoughlin, has urged the public not to start gorse fires after a number of blazes raged across the area over the weekend.

Deputy McLoughlin said: “Three separate fires have caused extensive damage to local wildlife and scenery in recent days.

“It took four stations of the Sligo fire brigade to bring the gorse fire at Killerry mountain on the Sligo-Leitrim border- which covers an approximate area of 4,000 acres- under control.

“Almost 50 personnel from the fire brigade were battling the blaze and I would like to thank them for their tireless efforts in protecting the community.

“All the local gorse fires in recent days have created huge inconvenience for the people of Sligo and Leitrim, from road closures to unnecessary worry for home and landowners about potential damage to their property.

“The blazes can also destroy farmland, and have a devastating impact on farmers as their livelihoods and property are put at risk.

“Unfortunately the illegal burning of vegetation is often to blame for these fires, and I urge people not to start them deliberately.

“As well as diverting vital fire services away from potential domestic emergencies, the local environment suffers greatly in the aftermath of these incidents.

“It is illegal to burn any living vegetation between 1st March and 31st August each year pursuant to the Wildlife Act, 1976, as amended, as this is the bird nesting season.”

ENDS