A ban on mountain grazing could quickly quench illegal gorse fires

SIR, For some time now, since the present spell of dry weather started, the curse of fire on the mountains has been with us. There is nothing new in this; it happens every year and is often done by those with grazing rights on the mountains to promote fresh pasture. The finishing time for this burning is the end of March as the nesting of wild birds then gets underway. However, the weather is often very wet and burning cannot take place, which is why illegal burning has been taking place far and wide this April.

The Gardaí have been given the impossible task of catching those who are setting these fires. It might help if these mountain lands were declared a nature preserve and the grazing of sheep was forbidden - then, I think, the burnings would cease.

However, there is another possible way of stopping these fires. As we have helicopters capable of water bombing fires from the air, more use should be made of this facility. Teams of firemen, forest rangers and council workers should be stationed at locations covering a wide area. As soon as a fire is spotted the helicopter should be sent for. This would put out the fire before it grew to become uncontrollable. It would also give Gardaí a much better chance of catching those starting the fires.

Damage to our woodlands and nature happens on a regular basis from these illegal fires. People and their homes also come under threat. This is a yearly tragedy that threatens too many living in these areas and unless more positive action is taken a disaster will occur. The time for action is now and every year at this time before loss of life and property happens. Sincerely, Michael O’Meara, Faha, Killarney.