Gorse fires are threat to deer and skylarks
AUTHORITIES have warned of a serious threat to wildlife following a series of gorse fires across the country.
Favourite birds such as the cuckoo and skylark, as well as animals such as young deer are most at risk from the flames tearing through the dry mountainside gorse. A wildlife expert from the National Parks and Wildlife Services told the Irish Mail on Sunday more care needs to be taken by the public and farmers to prevent animals being killed and injured.
Over the past two weeks a series of fires have taken place across the country. Some are believed to have been started delliberately.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said yesterday a gorse fire, which forced families to evacuate their homes in Newry, Co. Down, during the week was started deliberately.
Eight fire engines and 60 firefighters tackled the blaze near a residential area on Barley Lane.
Residents were temporarily evacuated from their homes, as firefighters brought the fire under control, putting out the blaze.
Fire service group commander Brian Stanfield said: ‘They had to work hard in difficult conditions to bring the fire under control and extinguish the flames.’
A source working with the wildlife service said: ‘There needs to be more of an awareness campaign put in place for farmers and the public to prevent further threat to animals and wildlife habitats. Insects are getting completely wiped out by these fires and this poses a wider threat to the bird and animal community.
‘Cuckoos, skylarks and young deer are most threatened by these fires,’ he said.
Another large fire in Co. Sligo was brought under control earlier this week.
The blaze broke out and firefighters focused on the Millennium Forest area, which is adjacent to Slish Wood.
Approximately 4,000 acres were scorched by the fire.
In Cork, thousands of acres of national parkland were completely burned last week when a devastating gorse fire ripped through Gougane Barra national park.
The public has been urged to be cautious when picnicking in gorseland areas.