THE FIRE service in Co Kerry has been “under severe pressure” over the past four days because of gorse and wild land fires in many parts of the county.
Fire officers and the Department of the Environment have stressed deliberate burning is illegal under the Wildlife Acts.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley in recent days issued a warning that destruction of hedgerows and vegetation on uncultivated land had a severe impact on habitats.
“In Ireland, given the low cover of native woodland, hedgerows are of exceptional importance in providing habitats and corridors for maintaining wildlife diversity, particularly for birds, but also for wild plants and other ecologically-important organisms that provide food and shelter for birds.”
The Minister appealed to the public to bring “any alleged unlawful cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction” to the attention of gardaí or the local National Parks and Wildlife Service.
He reminded local authorities that restrictions apply from March 1st to August 31st to allow wildlife and birds to rear their young and for vegetation to grow.
Mr Gormley said reported incidents would be investigated, and the department would seek prosecutions in certain instances. His department was paying particular attention to infringements by local authorities.
Every available fire service unit in Kerry was called out on Sunday night to fight fires in the Killorglin, Tralee and Listowel areas where the spell of dry weather contributed to the spread of fires.
Many were started deliberately in the mistaken belief that burning made land more fertile. In fact it depletes the land and destroys rare plants, according to fire officers.
Kerry fire station officer Nigel Corner said there had been burning in all parts of the county, including in the vicinity of the national park area of Killarney, Tralee, Listowel and Sneem.