AN Garda Síochána in the Kerry Division are currently investigating the cause of a number of land and forest fires which took place in the Killarney National Park and surrounding areas on Wednesday, April 8.
The fires which lasted for a considerable length of time before being brought under control by the Kerry Fire and Rescue Service have resulted in significant damage to parts of the beautiful and historic National Park which is a major tourist attraction within the county.
A meeting of the Kerry Wildfire Interagency Group involving representatives from An Garda Síochána, the Department of Agriculture, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Kerry Fire & Rescue Service took place on Monday morning to formulate an inter-agency response to the investigation of these incidents.
The Gardaí are now appealing to members of the public for any information or assistance which would progress this investigation.
Any information can be passed onto the following contact groups:
An Garda Síochána – Killarney on 064-6671160 or 1800 666 111 (Confidential line)
Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine – Forestry Inspector – Tralee 066-7149340
Killarney National Park – Wildlife Rangers on 064-6631440
Kerry Fire & Rescue Service – Tralee on 066-7123111
“An Garda Síochána wish to re-emphasise the threat posed by land and forest fires to people’s lives and property,” said Superintendent Flor Murphy, District Officer Killarney Garda Station.
“The fires which occurred in Killarney National Park last week posed a very serious risk to life and property in the affected areas which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of Euro worth of damage to such a wonderful amenity. The potential long term damage to the local community and economy is enormous and cannot be quantified at this time.
“We are adopting an Interagency approach to the investigation of this matter and we are now seeking all available help and information from the public to assist us with our investigation.
It is the responsibility of every member of the community, particularly those living near wooded areas, to comply with the relevant legislation and undertake burning in a controlled manner,” said the Superintendent.
“In addition, members of the community should make themselves aware of the necessary precautions relating to controlled burning by contacting either their local fire services or local Garda Station for advice,” he said.
