Devastating fire on Slieve Bloom now contained as gardaí probe if blaze was started ‘maliciously’
GARDAÍ are probing if a fire that ripped through hundreds of hectares of the Slieve Bloom Mountains was started maliciously.
It’s understood the devastating fire – which began on Wednesday afternoon – has now been contained by firefighters, Coillte and the Defence Forces who were deployed on the mountain in recent days. While gardaí say they have no evidence of any crime as of yet, they are encouraging the public to come forward if they noticed any suspicious activity in the area.
Gardaí are currently examining areas where the fires have been brought under control.
“An Garda Síochána is continuing to provide appropriate assistance on the ground. Although no evidence of a crime has been disclosed at this time, officers are conducting enquiries and examinations in areas where the fires have been brought under control,” a spokesman said.
“This work is ongoing. Gardaí in Birr are appealing to the public to report details of any suspicious activity in the area prior to the outbreak.”
Chief executive of Coillte’s forestry division Gerard Murphy said the fire was now contained.
“The majority of fires tend to be man-made,” he said.
“A good few can be an accident but many can be reckless and sometimes malicious.”
Mr Murphy said the damage associated with such a fire – which has caused havoc to the living species in the mountains – is already into the millions.