Forest and Gorse Fires

Ireland is a country stooped in tradition. Unfortunately one of these traditions includes the burning of gorse to clear their land mainly for agricultural practices. Others simply burn the commonage  land as an act of arson or vandalism. Some fires are also started accidentally or naturally but many are purposeful acts. It is continuing to be a growing problem in Ireland particularly in the warmer summer months. Predictions estimate that Ireland’s summers will be warmer and drier so the threat of forest and gorse fires may increase.

So far this year and in particular weeks these fires are burning out of control, putting people, animals, homes and businesses at risk of death or destruction. It is causing the destruction of protected habitats and is also destroying our forests. The fire services are being stretched to help control these fires but in many cases it is difficult to control them as wind direction may change, the heat and dry weather continues with a lack of rain. More must be done to find and prosecute the culprits who are destroying the Irish landscape every year for the sole reason to clear the land or for leisure.