Rain to help extinguish gorse fires

Rain is predicted for much of the country this evening bringing welcome relief for those tackling gorse fires in Co Donegal and…

Rain is predicted for much of the country this evening bringing welcome relief for those tackling gorse fires in Co Donegal and in parts of Co Offaly.

Met Éireann is predicting further spells of showery rain across all parts of the country tomorrow.

In Dublin this evening, there were gorse fires in Old Bawn near Tallaght and also in Howth.
A spokeswoman for Dublin Fire Brigade tonight said that the fires were not serious and posed no danger to the public.

All fires have now been extinguished in Co Donegal except for one still burning in Leenin, Clonmany. A spokesman for Donegal fire service said it was endangering some houses but he was confident it would be brought under control later this evening.

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The Army assisted local authorities to tackle the fires in Co Donegal today.

Three helicopters and 40 troops were deployed to Falcarragh to help fight a serious fire at Muckish Mountain. Troops were also on standby to deploy to Glenties.

Two of the three helicopters were fitted with giant "Bambi" buckets capable of dropping 1,200 litres of water on the flames. The Air Corps have dropped in excess of 250,000 litres of water on fires in Donegal so far using this system.

Further troops were on standby around the country to help local authorities if requested.

A spokesman for the fire service in Co Offaly said the situation in the county had improved. Visibility is better and the fires have diminished in power. Bord na Móna are dealing with bog fires near Ballinagar.

Minister of State for Food Shane McEntee said the irresponsible and criminal behaviour of people who started some of the fire had cost the State millions. He called for people living in rural areas, farmers and forest owners to work with forestry inspectors, fire crews and gardaí to identify who started blazes.

"I am absolutely appalled at the flagrant disregard for the law, property and people's lives due to the irresponsible and criminal behaviour of a small minority who continue to set land fires around the country," Mr McEntee said. "I warn those responsible that criminal acts of this kind will not be tolerated. When the perpetrators of these acts of criminal damage are identified they will face the possibility of prosecution, fines and imprisonment."

Meanwhile, a full search and rescue operation was launched early this morning when a man was reported missing after he went to tackle gorse fires on Cushleake mountain in Co Antrim. Two helicopters, fire crews and coastguard teams were involved in the search. The man returned safe and well to his home at about 1.45am.

The PSNI said they appreciated the help and patience they have received from the general public but appealed to them not to tackle gorse fires on their own. Weather conditions are making the fires unpredictable, they can change direction without warning and they travel at speed.

Anyone who is concerned about a fire springing up in their area is asked to contact the fire service immediately. Anyone with information about fires being started deliberately should contact their local police station.