Gorse fire breaks out in Kilternan at foothills of Dublin mountains

Sarah Slater

Firefighters from Dún Laoghaire and Donnybrook fire stations worked through the night to contain a gorse fire near Kilternan in the Dublin mountains.

The wildfires took hold at Carrickgollogan, and firemen worked alongside Coillte crews to “suppress the fire”, Dublin Fire Service said in a statement.

Fire and smoke were visible to householders and businesses in the area and they were advised to close all windows and doors as a “precaution”.

Elsewhere, other Dublin Fire Brigade units battled a fresh gorse fire at Killing Hill, a popular walking spot, on Saturday afternoon.

Firefighters from Dún Laoghaire Fire Station attended the wildfire. Visitors were advised to avoid the area, with householders nearby requested to keep windows and doors closed to avoid smoke fumes.

Dried-out vegetation from the recent dry spell caught fire.

“Recent dry weather has caused fine vegetation to dry out,” Dublin Fire Brigade said in a statement.

Killiney Hill has been hit by a number of gorse fires over the past several weeks, with other parts of the country also seeing blazes in upland areas.

An extensive fire also caused damage in the Backstairs Mountains in Co Carlow late last month.

The controlled burning of land is a common practice in rural settings. However, it is not permitted at certain times of the year.

Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, it is an offence to burn any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated from March 1st to August 31st annually. This aims to reduce wildfire incidents.

Parties found guilty of this offence may have grants they receive from Government departments reviewed.

The capital and many parts of the country have had an extended spell of mostly dry weather in recent weeks. This looks set to continue in the short term, according to Met Éireann, but rain is forecast from Wednesday onwards.