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Forest fires "affect us all"
01.03.11
by Eamonn Mac Dermott, Inishowen Independent
THERE were 24 land and forest fires affecting 63
hectares of forestry in Donegal last year, new
figures show.
Coillte forestry manager for North Donegal, Kevin
McCarthy, said forest fires had a detrimental effect
on everyone.
Speaking after Gardai called for greater care to be
taken to reduce the number of fires, Mr McCarthy
explained: “We have had some fires that have led to
€100,000s of damage. Now just imagine if someone was
going around causing that much damage to houses, you
would soon hear all about it.”
He added: “Forestry is very important to Ireland
with some 15 -20,000 people depending on it. |
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A gorse fire that devastated a large
parcel of land at Noone's Bridge near Moville last
year. |
“When we have fires
they generally affect young plantations as the older
trees are stronger and less at risk. But the
plantations of less than 15 years old can be
devastated.” The Coillte manager said that fires
could be caused by a variety of methods.
He said: “What can happen is that fires on private
land spread into Coillte land and that is why we
would advise landowners to be very careful when
burning heather and gorse as very often the fires
just spread.
“We have also had some cases of arson but they tend
to be concentrated in specific areas.”
He said that the time of greatest risk of fire was
from February until about May.
He said: “The greatest risk period is before the
grass has gone green. Once the grass greens up the
risk subsides somewhat.
“But all fires are a problem especially when you
consider if the Fire Brigade are called out then we
have to pay for that.
“People should remember that the forests belong to
us all. Coillte are only looking after the forests
for the people so damage to the forests affects us
all.”
The Garda information campaign will illustrate the
dangers of uncontrolled burning and outline the
legal issues.
Every member of the community is responsible for the
prevention and reporting of instances of illegal and
uncontrolled burning activities. Suspicious activity
of this kind should be reported to the local Garda
station.
Speaking at the launch, Superintendent Fergus Healy
commented: “Gardaí want to emphasise the threat that
land and forest fires present to people’s lives and
property.
“It is the responsibility of every member of the
community, particularly those living near wooded
areas, to comply with the legislation and undertake
burning in a controlled manner.
“In addition, members of the community should make
themselves aware of the necessary precautions
relating to controlled burning by contacting the
local fire services for advice or visit
www.garda.ie .” |
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