TRIBUTES FOR BRAVE FIRE CREWS

TRIBUTES have been paid to Sligo’s brave 42 firefighters who fought ferocious gorse and forest fires at four different locations in the county since last Wednesday in difficult conditions. There were no injuries and no properties were affected as the courageous firefighters tackled blazes at Killery/ Slish Wood and Easkey all day and night at remote locations.

“We had a few close calls with four properties at risk in the Ballintogher area and two in Easkey,” said Sligo County Council Director of Services Tom Kilfeather who paid tribute to the bravery of the firefighters. It’s been about three years since the last major gorse fires in Sligo and he said the fact all fires were put out without injury or property affected was a tribute to the firefighters’ training, team work and management of the situations. The Coast Guard’s Rescue 118 helicopter was of great assistance in co- ordinating the fire fight on the ground at Slish Wood, he said.