Air Corps helicopter assisting Mayo forest fire

The Irish Air Corps helicopter is currently assisting the Mayo Fire Service to tackle a large forest fire which is burning its way through the Letterkeen Forest in the Wild Nephin National Park.

A number of units from the Mayo Fire Service are currently tackling a large forest fire in the east of the Wild Nephin National Park which started on Sunday night. The are being assisted by the Irish Air Corps helicopter which is dumping water on the fire to try to quench it and prevent it from spreading further into the park.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service have closed all trails at the east side of the national park as a result of the fire and that NPWS staff and local volunteers helped some people who were wild camping to evacuate the area as the fire grew.

A number of gorse fires took hold around Mayo over the past week with a number of units of Mayo Fire Service spending the weekend trying to keep fires under control.

One of the largest fires took hold in Ballycroy on Friday evening with a number of acres of Claggan mountain burnt before it was eventually brought under control on Saturday morning. The fire also destroyed the boardwalk along the Claggan Coastal Trail which is used by thousands of walkers every year.

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With the dry weather conditions expected to continue into the week, Mayo Fire Service has issued a warning to members of the public to remain vigilant to prevent the causes of gorse fires.

“The ongoing dry spell means there's a heightened risk of wildfires across Mayo, particularly in upland and forested areas.

“We’re asking everyone to do their part to prevent fires,” the fire service posted on their Facebook page.

In order to prevent fires, the fire service has asked people not to make outdoor fires or campfires and to avoid using barbecues in grassy or wooded areas. They also ask people to park responsibly and keep emergency access routes clear and to call 999 or 112 immediately if you see smoke or fire.

“Even one careless act can spark a wildfire. Let’s work together to keep our communities and countryside safe,” the message added.

The risk of gorse fires is greatest during dry spells from March to June when ground vegetation is dormant and dry and the risk increases with decreasing humidity and increasing wind speed.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service which operates the Claggan Coastal Trail described as 'heartbreaking' the destruction caused to the boardwalk and the habitat following the weekend fire and it will remain closed until further notice.

“There is currently an investigation underway into the cause of the wildfire. Cleanup and repair works cannot commence until this investigation is completed,” the NPWS posted on the Wild Nephin National Park Facebook page.

In a separate post, they stated that the Claggan Coastal Trail was a great platform to lead guided walks and education programmes.

“From the boardwalk our education team taught school groups about the importance of our bogs and how our activities have had a negative impact on our wildlife and their habitats.

“The fire that happened here on Friday night is once again a reminder of how careless actions have impacted nature and all the people who loved to visit this beautiful part of your national park.”

They thanked the 'brave men and women' of the Mayo Fire Service and volunteers who fought the wildfire to bring it under control but a number of events which were due to take place along the boardwalk have had to be cancelled.