KENNY URGES AWARENESS OF GORSE FIRE PREVENTION

Posted on July 18, 2013 1:00 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Labour TD for Howth Seán Kenny has encouraged people to become aware of how gorse fires can be prevented.

"At present there is a serious gorse fire on Howth Head. The fires began yesterday but fire-fighters received several reports that the fires were rekindled this morning at about 5 am.
The fires are concentrated on the south side of the peninsula near Howth Golf Club and on the eastern hill top of the the two summits on the peninsula."

"Some houses have been evacuted at Green Hollow because of smoke and fire risk, but I understand that no houses are being directly threatened, although a change in the wind direction could see the situation altered. I would advise that if people are living anywhere near where a gorse fire is burning, they should evacuate immediately."

"It is very important that in this hot and very dry weather that everyone visiting Howth or living there is extra careful about accidentially starting fires on Howth Head. I would suggest the following -

- Don't smoke near gorse, and stub them out carefully when you are smoking. Never throw them away when lit and instead stubb them out and dispose of them properly. Don't throw them out of car windows.

- Don't leave broken glass lying around - the strong sun can magnify the sunlight and start a fire.

- Do not use Chinese lanterns - these are small paper lanterns with a candle inside that is set aloft. Once those lanterns are released, it is not possible to exercise control over where they are going or where they will land.

- If a house is close to gorseland, it could be putting out ashes, they could be a source of ignition for a fire, so take extra care.

- Never ever start up a camp fire.

These fires can cause widespread disruption and huge environmental damage if they manage to get out of control. The steps I referred to can help to reduce the risk of these dangerous fires getting out of control."