Satellite images taken by the European Space Agency of the devastating wildfires in Wicklow in recent days convey “the scale of destruction, devastation and loss of plant and animal life wrought by illegal wildfires”, Minister for Heritage Josepha Madigan has said.
A condition orange warning for fire was in place until Monday 20 April.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff in Wicklow worked with the fire service, battling several separate blazes in recent days, according to the Department.
“There have been five significant fires in the region since Good Friday. One of the fires burned over several days last week and the emergency response thus far has involved fire service, NPWS and helicopter support to battle them.
“Based on the initial analysis, all five fires would appear to be agricultural in nature,” according to the Department.
Minister Madigan added that NPWS officials are preparing cross-compliance reports for the Department of Agriculture.
To needlessly tie up the State’s resources during the pandemic in this way is both reckless and irresponsible, she said.
She noted that, as custodians of nature, the vast majority of farmers and landowners respect the law on burning and are sensitive to our natural heritage. The minister wants to encourage others to follow their example.
Firefighters tackle 23,500 forest, bog and gorse fires