WATCH: Video captures extent of gorse fire in Waterford City
The fire caused extensive damage to the natural flora and habitat on the riverwalk. Pic: Eoghan Hartery
A fire, that appears to have been started deliberately in a popular walking area in Waterford City, has shocked and devastated the community.
One local, Eoghan Hartery, who runs the popular Dunmore Road and Waterford East News Facebook page shot the video clip below capturing some of the extent to which the fire has damaged the flora and natural habitat in the area.
Watch the video clip below.
The fire was located in the Ballinakill Downs area of the city and is believed to have started at around 5.45pm on Friday evening.
It's also believed the fire may have been started deliberately and comes in the wake of a series of devastating gorse fires not just in Waterford but around the country.
Fire crews are also tackling an ongoing blaze on the Comeragh Mountains and in another area on the outskirts of Waterford City, in Ferrybank, fire crews also had to tackle a blaze.
Commenting to the Waterford News & Star, Mr Hartery said the fire at the Ballinakill riverwalk was extremely disappointing to see.
"I'm absolutely gutted and devastated," he said.
"It is absolutely heartbreaking to think of the wildlife which will be affected by this fire," he added.
