Extensive Gorey gorse fire brought under control

Sarah Slater

A major gorse fire which broke out in Co Wexford on Sunday afternoon has been brought under control almost 24 hours after it first started.

The blaze broke out on Tara Hill in Gorey at around 3.45pm, with seven units from Wexford and Wicklow Fire Services battling the blaze overnight along with gardaí, local farmers and Coillte officials in a bid bring it under control.

Wexford County Council fire service also ensured that several water tankers were available. Water has also been drawn from the river Ahare.

The blaze initially seemed under control but intensified overnight due to nearby sea breezes.

Dry weather conditions are making it easier for the fire to spread.

Malcolm Byrne, North Wexford TD said the blaze is “deeply worrying”.

A helicopter flew over the extensive scene at 12.40pm on Monday and dispersed water helping to reducing the fire keeping flames away from properties in the vicinity. The multi-agency operation is continuing but is now a dampening down operation and fire units remain at the scene.

The Council continues to monitor air quality and are advising residents and businesses to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution. A drone is also being used to watch over any threat of another fire igniting.

There is already a significant impact to wildlife and the environment in the area.

As a result of no significant rainfall in the past month, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is warning that there is a high fire risk or status orange alert.

The orange warning has been in effect since 3pm last Friday and will last until midday on Tuesday.

According to the Department, current weather patterns indicate a high fire risk “in all areas” where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.