Fire Service battles Spiddal gorse fire

Crews from Galway Fire and Rescue Service battled gorse fires in the Spiddal area throughout last night.

The fire was first reported at around 11am on Monday, and crews attended the scene, working throughout the day.

They left the scene at around 3am today (Tuesday).

Galway County Council has issued a fresh warning that the burning of scrubland at this time of year is an offence.

“It is illegal to burn on open ground for the control of growing vegetation between February 28 and September 1.

“Galway County Council will impose a charge on the owners or the beneficial occupiers of the land or property in relation to the attendance of the Fire Service.

“Farmers and landowners in breach risk prosecution and/or penalties under the Department of Agriculture’s support payments for farmers (Single Farm Payment, Agri-Environment Options Scheme, Rural Environment Protection Scheme, Disadvantaged Area Scheme).

“Wildfires are a serious drain on Fire Service resources. Fire crews may be delayed in attending life-threatening house fires or road traffic collisions when fighting wildfires,” the statement reads.