Firemen battling several gorse fires
Fire crews from Bray and Greystones have been battling gorse and grass fires in recent days as dry conditions prevail.
A grass fire which broke out at Windgates on Thursday night burned ferociously but was quickly extinguished by fire fighters.
Greystones fire fighters also managed to avert disaster early on Saturday morning at Glen of the Downs.
Firefighters snuffed out trees on fire at 6 a.m. on Saturday at the Delgany exit of the N11 in the Glen.
The fire started at the road’s edge, and may have been caused by a discarded cigarette butt. Fire crews have urged the public to help protect the environment, especially our native woodland.
In Kilmacanogue, gorse fires have raged since last week, with Bray crews returning to the area repeatedly to work in hot and uncomfortable conditions.
Broadband was down this week in the area as the fires caused damage to the cables.
‘These are not accidental fires,’ said a spokesman as Bray members battled their fourth gorse fire on Sunday morning. ‘Wicklow County Fire Service asks the public to be vigilant for suspicious activity and report it immediately to the gardai.’
Crews returned to Rockey Valley at around 7.30 a.m. on Monday, where a previously unburnt area was on fire only a short distance from previous incidents.
Just outside of the county, fires have been ongoing at Puck’s Castle, and visible from Bray.
Dublin fire brigade have been fighting the blazes with Coillte helicopters flying over the site to drop water on the flames.