A DEVASTATING fire which could set the ecosystem on the Knockmealdown mountain range in Co Waterford back 40 years was brought under control after Army units, five fire brigade units and members of the public joined forces to fight the blaze.
The fire, near Ballyporeen outside Mitchelstown in Co Cork, was first noticed at about 2 p.m. on Sunday. It spread rapidly, destroying old and new plantations, as well as harvested timber awaiting collection.
Army units from Kickham Barracks in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, helped with the massive firefighting effort which continued until 3 a.m. on Sunday. Mr Pat Harrington, the district manager for Coillte, said the fire caused substantial damage to flora and fauna and could set the ecosystem in the Knockmealdowns back at least four decades.
He told The Irish Times yesterday that a report on the fire was being awaited and that an investigation was under way. The damage could run to hundreds of thousands of pounds. Coming at this time of the year, the fire has in all probability destroyed bird life in the middle of the nesting season, insects, squirrels and other species.
It is believed up to 300 acres of forest was wiped out, and the soil on the mountain range, which contains peat, has been damaged beyond repair. The soil is vital to the delicate ecosystem, but because of the presence of peat the fire fighting effort was made even more difficult as it continued to smoulder in the intense heat.
Mr Harrington said he had seen forest fires before "but this one was extraordinary".
The peat soil covers a base of red sandstone - unusual to Ireland and unique to the area - and, while it is poor soil, it has supported a wide variety of wildlife, from several species of grass hoppers to field mice and birds. In the midst of the blaze, a valuable tree harvesting machine was rescued.