|
|
Council praises Donegal
firefighters
11.04.13
DONEGAL County Council
has renewed its appeal to land owners and the public
to take all necessary measures to prevent gorse,
heather and forestry fires.
It is hoped that light rainfall in parts of the
county overnight will help dampen the undergrowth
and ease pressure on the Fire Service. Fire-fighters
have responded to well over 100 gorse fire call-outs
since March 28.
Our pictures - captured by photographers Sean
McDonagh, Adam Rory Porter and Derek Doherty - show
the horrific blaze as it raged through Fahan Hill
near Buncrana threatening homes earlier this week. |
 |
|
The frightening blaze on Gollan Hill
as seen from the Fahan Marina. Photo: Sean McDonagh.
To view more photos click
here . |
The local authority
acknowledged the hard work and dedication of
fire-fighters in Inishowen and all over the county
who have "been working in challenging
circumstances".
"We would also like to convey our appreciation for
the support that the Fire Service has received from
the various communities affected by these fires,"
the Council said in a statement.
An unseasonably long period of dry weather has left
gorse, heather and undergrowth extremely dry.
"Fires are likely to spread rapidly and get out of
control causing unnecessary damage and putting
houses, property and possibly life at risk. These
fires also interfere with wildlife breeding and
nesting and, in many cases, can decimate the local
wildlife population."
Donegal County Council has reminded landowners and
members of the public that under the Wildlife Act
1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 it is an
offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any
vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated
between March 1 and August 31 annually.
The Council has urged people not to engage in
activities that could contribute to an increase in
instances of fires at this time.
"We are urging all land owners and members of the
public to be vigilant and to report any uncontrolled
or unattended fires immediately to the Fire and
Emergency Services."
To view more photos of the gorse fires
click here . |
|
