BREAKING: Campers evacuated as forest fire breaks out at Wild Nephin National Park in Mayo

The Irish Air Corps helicopter and Mayo Fire Service were called to tackle a large forest fire burning its way through the Letterkeen Forest in the Wild Nephin National Park.

The fire, on Friday night of April 4, which appears to have been set after dark either deliberately or by recklessness, destroyed an all-ability nature trail along with the surrounding vegetation, according to a press release.

In Letterkeen several groups of campers have had to be evacuated overnight for their own safety.

The fire completely destroyed the Claggan Boardwalk, and a separate fire is ongoing at the forest at Letterkeen.

The Claggan Boardwalk had been built by the NWPS using local expertise in 2017 to provide access for all people, including those with limited mobility.

This valuable amenity is now gone because of the fire.

"Dry weather and coastal breezes create conditions very conducive to wildfires. The public is reminded that actions as simple as discarding a cigarette or dumping barbeque coals can have lasting and far reaching consequences," according to a press release.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said:

"Wildfires like the one at the Claggan boardwalk in Wild Nephin are a devastating reminder of how fragile our natural world is. This 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. It has been a great success, allowing access to a nature-rich and profoundly beautiful landscape for everyone, including those with limited mobility. We must act with greater care and responsibility to protect these treasures for future generations."

Wildfires have a devastating impact on nature, on communities and on National Parks and Nature Reserves. Wildlife may die from heat and smoke, habitats and food sources may be destroyed and vegetation severely impacted.

The impact can be irreparable and have long term negative consequences. Wildfires also pose significant risks to people, including local communities and those visiting National Parks. The risk of property damage is significant but there is an even more serious risk to life.

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The NPWS is working with An Garda Sochána, Mayo Fire Service, regional Coillte Staff, the Air Corps and others to ensure the safety of those around Wild Nephin, and extends sincere thanks to those groups and to its own staff for their efforts during this challenging situation.

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General, NPWS 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."