'Significant' gorse fire in Cork sparks further concern ahead of weekend of high temperatures

Following a “significant” gorse fire in Blarney on Thursday, members of the public are being urged to follow safe-practice this weekend as a yellow weather warning for high temperatures has been issued for Cork.

The gorse fire, which occurred in Loughane, Blarney, shortly before 1pm, was attended by three fire engines and two water tankers from Cork City Fire Brigade and the Mallow Fire Service.

The blaze was controlled after some time, during which a nearby home was threatened, leading to protection measures being undertaken by emergency services.

Speaking to The Echo, second officer with Cork City Fire Brigade, Victor Shine said that officials are hoping members of the public can follow a number of safety guidelines to ensure that no further incidents occur.

“There was a significant gorse fire in Blarney today, it was a very big one,” said Mr Shine.

“It was threatening a house, which had to be protected from the outbreak of fire.

“There was a lot of smoke in the area, and it took a lot of resources.

“There was thankfully nobody injured, but it did go on for a couple of hours - it was a tricky one.” 

Issuing a call for safe practice throughout the impending heat wave, Mr Shine said that “people need to be careful of where they are disposing of hot materials, like barbecue embers, and even glass on dry material”.  

“People going to beaches, or parking in fields on dry grass need to be mindful, because of hot exhausts, it could cause the grass to go on fire and destroy your car."

Met Éireann issued the weather warning, stating from 12pm on Saturday that Cork will be under a status yellow high temperature warning, with maximum temperatures in excess of 27°C expected.

The national forecaster warned that potential impacts include water safety issues due to increased use of lakes/beaches, the possibility of forest fires, uncomfortable sleeping conditions, and heat stress.

Due to the predicted increase in the use of lakes and beaches, a representative from Water Safety Ireland is reminding people across Cork to enjoy water activities responsibly and to be aware of potential hazards.

“As Ireland anticipates a warm and sunny weekend, the upcoming full moon will bring spring tides over the coming days, causing higher high tides and lower low tides than usual,” the spokesperson said.

“These conditions increase the risk of strong rip currents and rapid changes in water depth as higher tides quickly cover areas that may have hidden depths.

“Water Safety Ireland urges everyone to stay alert, carry a fully charged mobile phone and monitor incoming tides closely when walking the coastline.” 

The ESB are reminding people of the dangers and potentially serious consequences of swimming in any ESB reservoir.

Martin Stronge, senior manager, hydro operations said: “It is important that people take note of the safety warnings which are visible on signs posted around ESB reservoirs.

"These areas are unsafe for swimming due to deep, fast-flowing waters, fluctuating water levels, and uneven terrain, which present significant hazards to the public.

"To ensure your safety and the safety of others, always choose safer swimming locations such as swimming pools or beaches with designated lifeguards."

These waters include the ESB reservoirs at Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid in County Cork.

Additionally, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is urging people to enjoy the good weather while being also being safe in the sun.

Susan O’Dwyer, who is the IPU’s head of professional services said that it is “important that the public knows how to enjoy the sun safely following common sense precautions, especially during good weather”. 

“Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland and the number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer is rising rapidly,” said Ms O’Dwyer.

“Yet skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting skin from UV rays and not using sunbeds.

“Our message is that we want to help you to protect yourself and your family by being sun smart.

“Skin damage does not just happen on holiday in hot, sunny places,” she added.

“The sun is strong enough to cause damage here in Ireland between April and September, even on cloudy days."

Advice on how to keep your pets safe during warmer weather conditions has been issued by the Irish Blue Cross and PetInsurance.ie.

Dr Sophie Olah, who is the head of veterinary services at the Irish Blue Cross said that “while most people look forward to and enjoy hot weather, us humans have the luxury of being able to wear lighter clothes”.  

“Over the next few days we would advise not walking dogs, unless it’s very early in the morning or the temperature has dropped sufficiently in the late evening to do so,” said Dr Olah.

“It’s the temperature that’s important when deciding if it’s safe to walk your dog, rather than if the sun is shining.

“Obvious signs of heatstroke include collapse, excessive panting or breathing heavily, and dribbling. Please move your pet to a cool place, wet their coat thoroughly and contact a vet immediately.” 

Andrew Simpson, who is the head of pet at Petinsurance.ie, said that it is essential to monitor your pet’s condition during hot weather.

“We need to pay attention to the experts when they predict warmer conditions,” said Mr Simpson.

“Each small increase can have an impact on our pets and raise the risk of dehydration, lethargy or even sunburn, as well as creating ideal conditions for infestations of unwelcome visitors like fleas and ticks.” 

Members of the public are being reminded that if they do find themselves in trouble throughout the weekend, emergency services are contactable via 999 or 112, and are asked to provide officials with their exact location and Eircode where possible to ensure the quickest response.