Second gorse fire hits Arklow, with grass ‘like tinder’

THICK smoke caused disruption as firefighters battled to contain a gorse fire in Arklow.

Fire crews rapidly responded to the blaze at Seaview Avenue in the Wicklow town after a call from a member of the public shortly after 3pm yesterday.

It is the second gorse fire in recent days, but firefighters managed to stop it from spreading to nearby homes.

The area is close to a boating lake and pitch and putt area popular with visitors and families in the area.

Fine Gael councillor Sylvester Bourke said the fire was a concern as the town had seen another gorse blaze on Sunday.

“It’s not surprising, however, as everything is so dry in this weather. The grass is like tinder,” he added.