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Cahersiveen in Co Kerry Alan Cummins
Ring of Fire
Air Corps called into Killarney National Park as blaze continues to rage
People are being asked to avoid certain parts of the park for their own safety.
THE AIR CORPS has been asked to help firefighters in Kerry tackle a large blaze which has been spreading across the country.
The fire is believed to be one of the largest to ever take hold inside Killarney National Park.
The Air Corps used a “bambi” bucket carrying 1000 litres of water to help fight the flames at the park.
The fire had spread over several kilometres because of the dry conditions in the area, they said.
Today, the National Parks and Wildlife Service advised members of the public to stay away from the Old Kenmare Road area of the park, between Kenmare and Killarney, where firefighters are currently battling the blaze.
This area of the park is part of the ‘Kerry Way’ walking route but people are being asked not to use it, both for their own safety and to ensure they do not impede the work of the emergency services.
Fires across the county earlier this week were believed to have been caused by gorse fires, though they are banned between March and August. On Thursday, fire officer Mick Flynn told RTÉ that he was not sure firefighters would be able to stop it if it got into the park.
Speaking this afternoon, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys said she is informed that every effort is being made by emergency services to get the fire under control.
“My Department is monitoring developments closely and our staff on the ground are liaising directly with the fire services who are dealing with the situation.”
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