The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management are asking retailers to voluntarily suspend the sale of disposable barbecues following a series of wildfires. A source in the Department of Enterprise confirmed the move comes after a blaze in Killarney National Park, Co Kerry, which officials suspect was ignited by a disposable barbecue on Tuesday afternoon.
Killarney National Park Fire Destroys 20 Hectares
A wildfire that began around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday destroyed over 20 hectares of wild habitat, including heather, blanket bog, and woodland. The fire started on a ledge on Cromaglan Mountain, approximately 50 feet above the N71, an area often used as a picnic spot due to views of the Killarney lakes and Eagles Nest mountain.
Fire services from Killorglin, Sneem, Kenmare, and Killarney worked for six hours alongside NPWS conservation rangers to bring the blaze under control shortly after midnight Wednesday. Two Galway-based helicopters contracted by the NPWS assisted ground crews, scooping 800 litres of water per flight from the lake.
The N71 main road between Killarney and Kenmare remained closed for nearly 24 hours. While the fire was contained, flare-ups continued on the charred mountainside, including one in a woodland area shortly before the road reopened at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Did You Know? The fire threatened the adjoining Tower wood and Derrycunnihy, which contain some of the most ancient oakwoods in Europe and the last remnants of extensive oakwoods in Ireland.
Government Response and ‘Zero Tolerance’ Policy
Christopher O’Sullivan, Minister of State with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, stated the fire was caused by human activity rather than being a “natural disaster.” O’Sullivan described the use of disposable barbecues in wild areas during a heatwave as “gross irresponsibility” and a “crime against nature.”
The Minister announced a “zero tolerance attitude” toward lighting fires in national parks. He emphasized that such actions cause catastrophic damage to biodiversity, public safety, and livelihoods.
Dry Weather and Increased Fire Risk
Dermot Brannigan, chair of the Chief Fire Officers Association, noted that most recent fires in Westmeath, Cork, and Kerry were accidentally started by discarded glass or improperly extinguished disposable barbecues. He attributed the spike in gorse fires to a prolonged spell of dry weather.
Brannigan explained that while Ireland differs from central Europe, the period between March and May is typically the most vulnerable for gorse fires. He stated that several weeks of dry weather intensify the ignitability of wildland, where wind and heat can cause fires to escalate quickly.
NPWS divisional manager Eamonn Meskell noted that the response this week benefited from lessons learned after the April 2021 fires, which destroyed several hundred hectares in the same area. Meskell stated, “We could have lost an awful lot more.”
Future Risks and Vigilance
Conservation rangers have warned that “extreme vigilance” is required for several days due to the dry condition of heather and brush. If the dry weather persists, Brannigan anticipates that fire services may have to respond to more localized calls involving grassland and gorse.
Authorities have erected signs throughout the affected area warning against lighting fires. The NPWS and emergency services may continue to monitor the charred mountainside for further flare-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire in Killarney National Park?
Investigators and officials suspect the fire was caused by the reckless use of a disposable barbecue.
How much land was destroyed in the recent Co Kerry blaze?
Over 20 hectares of wild habitat, including woodland, heather, and blanket bog, were destroyed.
What action is the government taking regarding disposable barbecues?
The NPWS and the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management are asking retailers to voluntarily suspend the sale of disposable barbecues.
Do you believe voluntary retail suspensions are an effective way to prevent wildfires during heatwaves?
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