Donegal County Council today thanks fire service personnel and the public for their work in recent weeks.
In a statement the council said it wished to acknowledge the work of the Fire Service who have responded to 163 wildfire incidents since the 28th March 2013.
“Donegal County Council also wishes to thank the members of the Civil Defence, the Garda Siochana, Coillte and the members of the public who acted in a support role or who offered their assistance to the fire service during the recent spate of gorse fires,” said a spokeswoman.
“Many areas of the County will remain susceptible to wild fires when the current period of light rainfall comes to an end. Donegal County Council is appealing to land owners and members of the public to continue to be vigilant and to exercise caution when the current period of light rainfall comes to an end and to continue to take all necessary measures to prevent gorse, heather, forestry and similar fires.
“Land owners and members of the public are urged to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire Services by phoning 999 or 112.”
She added: “Wildfires can spread rapidly and get out of control causing unnecessary damage and putting houses, property and possibly life at risk. These fires also interfere with wildlife breeding and nesting and, in many cases, can decimate the local wildlife population.
“Donegal County Council would also like to remind landowners and members of the public that under the Wildlife Act 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 it is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between 1st day of March and 31st day of August in any year.
“The Council is also urging people not to engage in activities that could contribute to wildfires.”
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