Wildfire destroys hundreds of acres in Mayo

Wildlife were killed and hundreds of acres of land scorched when a terrifying wildfire took hold in West Mayo last week.

A gorse fire broke out in the Cregganbaun area near Louisburgh last Thursday afternoon.

The wildfire started at Doolough Lake and spread rapidly towards Cregganbaun and Doogan Hill. Some homes had to be evacuated as a precaution but there were no injuries or homes lost.

“Hundreds of acres of land was burnt and wildlife killed," said local councillor Chris Maxwell. "Livestock stressed and possibly killed along with their unborn lambs. Homes were evacuated due to them being in the line of fire. Thankfully, there was nobody injured or homes lost. 

"I want to thank the several units of firefighters who came, the local farmers and to their families who helped to fight the fire and also opened up their homes for refreshments and facilities, the local farm contractors who came with slurry tanks to help pump water and dampen the area, and to everyone who rang me to offer their help in any way they could."

Catherine O’Grady Powers, who runs Glen Keen Farm, said it was a frightening situation. Only the quick actions of local farmers and the emergency services averted further devastation.

“I never saw anything like it,” said Catherine.

Cllr Maxwell urged people to be vigilant and not to engage in any behaviour that could cause fires.

“There have been other wildfires around the county in the last few days. I don’t know how this fire started but I urge people to please dispose of their rubbish e.g. cigarette butts, glass and general rubbish in a safe manner. Please don’t just discard it along the roadside. This fire could have ended in tragedy and we don’t want a repeat.”