Firefighters contain fires after forestry plantations near Mount Leinster set alight

A number of attempts were made last night to set forestry plantations on fire near the Corrabut Gap and Nine Stones areas of Mount Leinster, Carlow Fire Service has confirmed.

Bagenalstown and Bunclody Firefighters managed to contain and extinguish these fires late last night.

Carlow Fire Service is urging people to report any information you may have about the people responsible for these illegal fires to your local Garda Station.

Last night's actions come just after IFA Farm Forestry Chair Jason Fleming had asked farmers to be extra vigilant this week after the Forest Service issued a Condition Orange – High Fire Risk.

The warning is to remain in place in all areas until Saturday, unless there is significant rainfall.

Mr Fleming cautioned that most fires spread from adjoining land into the forest.

“It is important that farmers assess the risk to their forest and make sure that the firebreaks are maintained. A firebreak should consist of a six-metre-wide fuel free zone, typically around the boundary of the forest,” he said.

“Forest fires can cause devastation and significant financial loss to farmers. Under the Afforestation scheme, farmers are obliged to replant where a forest is damaged by fire, so it is important that farmers consider the financial consequences of a fire and make sure there is adequate insurance cover in place,” Mr Fleming said.