Several sites around Wild Nephin national park, Co. Mayo were affected by “major fire incidents” last weekend.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said that a fire has “completely destroyed” the Claggan boardwalk, and that a second forest fire is ongoing at the forest in Letterkeen.

The department said: “The causes of these wildfires are still under investigation, with both apparently starting during the night.

“Dry weather and coastal breezes create conditions very conducive to wildfires, and people are reminded that actions as simple as discarding a cigarette or dumping barbeque coals can have lasting and far-reaching consequences.

“Wildfires have a devastating impact on nature, on the communities nearby and on national park users generally. In terms of nature, animals are killed by heat and smoke, habitats and food sources destroyed and vegetation severely impacted.”

The department has said that some of the impacts can be irreparable and have long term negative consequences, such as creating conditions suitable to colonisation by invasive species,” it added.

Fire damage at Wild Nephin National Park, Co. Mayo. Image source: Christopher O’Sullivan TD on X (formerly Twitter)

According to the department, the fire was set on Friday night “either deliberately or by recklessness”.

It destroyed the boardwalk, an an all-ability nature trail along with the surrounding vegetation.

The department said the fire is currently at Letterkeen, and is very close to the camping area amenity. Several groups of campers had to be evacuated overnight for their own safety.

“The NPWS [National Parks and Wildlife Service[ is working with An Garda Síochána, Mayo Fire Service and regional Coillte staff amongst others to ensure the safety of those around Wild Nephin,” the department said.

“Anyone who engages in this reckless, senseless behaviour should carefully consider the consequences of their actions, and will be subject to the full rigour of the law.”

Co. Mayo

Minister of State for heritage, nature and biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan said he believes wildfires in Co. Mayo are a “devestating reminder of how fragile our natural world is”.

He took to social media where he stated: “The destruction not only scars the landscape, destroys habitats and species but also deprives communities of cherished spaces for education, recreation, and connection with nature.

“I am gutted for the NPWS team at Wild Nephin National Park, who built this trail with the local community to make the park more accessible,” he added.

Forest fires

Meanwhile, Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Farm Forestry chair Padraig Stapleton has called on landowners to be vigilant during the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) fire danger notice.

DAFM has extended the condition orange danger rating for fire risk – indicating high fire risk – by one week.

A previous condition orange alert expired today (Monday, April 7) at 12:00p.m, with the new alert coming into effect immediately from that point. The new alert will remain in place until 12:00p.m next Monday (April 14).

A high fire risk arising from current weather patterns is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels, such as dead grasses and shrub fuels, exist.

The IFA has said that conditions are optimal for wildfires due to a consistent period of dry weather and dead vegetation after the winter.

Over the weekend there have been reports of forest fire outbreaks particularly in the west and north-west.

Padraig Stapleton is urging people to act responsibly in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.

“Prevention is the best defence against forest fires. During this fire danger notice, it is advised not to have barbecues in open spaces, including disposable barbecues,” Stapleton said.

“Dispose of cigarettes carefully to avoid inadvertently starting a fire and do not throw rubbish away illegally.

“If you encounter a fire, move to a safe location immediately. Report fires by calling 112 and follow emergency instructions,” he concluded.

Co. Mayo

Forest fires

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Path destroyed by wildfire at Co. Mayo national park