Write a commentA large wildfire on Slieve Brack close to Forkhill in County Armagh has caused extensive damage to the local habitat. The fire was spotted around 8pm last night (Sunday) Investigations continue but it's initially thought it was started deliberately.
Fire personnel attended from Crossmaglen but the inaccessible nature of the blaze and risk of injury to crew meant that the fire was left to burn through the night and it's thought parts are still burning.
The Ring of Gullion AONB Officer said “This fire has destroyed important habitats, left wildlife with no homes or a food source and the damage caused, risks the economical income coming into the area. The Ring of Gullion has attracted tourism from across the world. Visitors want to walk the mountains for their beauty and the unspoilt environment – this is now under risk due to this fire”.
Contrary to the belief that wildfires are sparked by hot, dry weather, most of them occur in the spring. Winter frost leaves undergrowth too dry, meaning the fires can start easily and spread quickly, causing widespread damage throughout the countryside, as is the case with this fire. At times the damage is irreparable. According to fire service figures, between 2012 and 2014, there were 5,002 incidents classed as wildfires across Northern Ireland. 4,584 of these fires were deemed to have been started deliberately.
Whether started accidentally or deliberately wildfires are extremely dangerous and can spread rapidly. The law states that burning of vegetation such as heather, gorse, whin or fern must not be carried out between 15 April and 31 August and only carried out at other times of the year under controlled and expert supervision i.e. with NIFRS guidance.
The Ring of Gullion AONB is urging members of the public enjoying the countryside to be both vigilant and careful over the coming weeks and to report unattended fires to the NI Fire and Rescue Service.
