Locals to the rescue at Morriscastle beach fire
A large stretch of sand dunes at Morriscastle Beach was destroyed by fire at the weekend, however thanks to the swift actions of the locals the blaze was contained and no one was seriously injured.
A spokesperson from Gorey Fire Service said residents rose to the challenge of controlling the flames before they arrived to the scene. Two heroic men managed to squeeze through forestry with their track diggers to gain access to the beach and constructed a sand barrier to prevent the fire from spreading.
The blaze, which broke out on Friday, spread quickly and caused extensive damage to a stretch of 400 metres of land.
‘The only access we had was to go through two fields. We could not get any water to the scene,’ said the spokesperson. ‘We had to bring our beaters, luckily enough the locals were on the beach helping to put out the fire from that side.’
Local councillor Mary Farrell praised the hard work done by the locals and the fire service, but suggested Wexford County Council look at installing pumps around the county where fire crews find it most difficult to reach.
‘There was significant damage done and while it is good news no homes or lives were lost, it is devastating for the environment,’ said Cllr Farrell. ‘That area along the coastline in Morriscastle is protected.’
Cllr Farrell said we are surrounded by water but can not use it. ‘I think it is time we sit back and see what other options we have when an incident like this occurs again,’ she added.
The alarm was raised at 9.30 p.m. and it took two crews over two house to get the fire under control.