GORSE FIRE UPDATE - MEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICE TRAPPED BY FAST SPREADING GORSE FIRE IN WEST DONEGAL
Members of the Donegal fires service have been trapped by the fast growing gorse fires in Donegal this afternoon, it is said that the members of the fire unit are not in immediate danger.
The unit was fighting to save a house in the Belcruit area which became surrounded in raging flames.
The fire service have soaked the area in water around the house to prevent the house from catching fire.
The fire service and locals in west Donegal are still waiting for helicopters to arrive to the area to help fight one of the worst gorse fires to hit the area in many years.
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Donegal County Council Fire Service continues to respond to Wild Fire at Annagry/ Belcruit and Loughanure areas
A wildfire broke out at approx. 6am this morning at Annagry in West Donegal and continues to burn this afternoon in the Annagry, Belcruit and Loughanure areas. 15 fire appliances from 12 brigade areas are currently deployed at the scene.
There are no reported casualties or damaged properties at this time.
The notice of high fire risk (Condition Orange) remains effective for all areas where hazardous fuels such as gorse, heather, dried grasses and other dead vegetation exist.
Donegal County Council appeals to landowners and members of the public to exercise caution and to take all necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of wildfires involving material such as gorse, heather and similar.
Land owners and members of the public are urged to be vigilant and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire Service by dialling 999 or 112.
The Council is also urging landowners and members of the public not to engage in activities that could cause wildfires.
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House holders or building owners in areas susceptible to wildfire are advised to remove or cut back any vegetation in the immediate vicinity of their house, building or oil tank to prevent wildfires damaging or destroying their property.
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.
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