Carlow fire crews battle third fire on Mount Leinster in just 24 hours
Large volumes of smoke were reported in areas surrounding Mount Leinster
Fire services were called out to a third blaze on Mount Leinster in 24 hours. Photo: Carlow Fire and Rescue Services
Fire crews in Co Carlow have been battling a series of fires on Mount Leinster as large volumes of smoke are reported in surrounding areas.
Last night, Monday April 22, units from the Bagenalstown Fire Brigade attended their third series of fires on Mount Leinster in the past 24 hours.
Large volumes of smoke were reported in the Rathanna and Ballymurphy areas in Co Carlow as smoke travelled from the fires on the mountain and engulfed local areas.
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Large volumes of smoke were reported in the Rathanna and Ballymurphy areas of Co Carlow. Photo: Carlow Fire and Rescue Services
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This incident follows on from a large wildfire in the area of The Nine Stones on Mount Leinster the day before.
At around midnight on Sunday April 21, units from Bagenalstown Fire Brigade attended a large wildfire near the Nine Stones car park on Mount Leinster.
Local fire services also battled a large wildfire in the area of Nine Stones on Mount Leinster. Photo: Carlow Fire and Rescue Services
The area is no stranger to wildfires as fire services have battled several blazes in the area over the years.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the fire service reminded people of Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976.
"Bagenalstown Fire Brigade attended a large wildfire near the Nine Stones car park on Mount Leinster,” confirmed the spokesperson.
"Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of vegetation growing on any land not cultivated between March 1 and August 31 annually.
"This is to protect bird life during the nesting season, to help prevent forest fires, and to protect vegetation and wildlife habitats during the months of growth and reproduction.”
The spokesperson added: “Suspected breaches of Section 40 of the Wildlife Act can be reported to WildlifeEnforcement@npws.gov.ie or your local Garda Station.
"Breaches of Section 40 of the Wildlife Act constitute a wildlife crime and may result in prosecution.”
