Five units of the Fire Service from Gorey, Bunclody and Arklow fought a major gorse fire on Tara Hill for over twelve hours last Thursday and the Gardaí received a large volume of local residents who were concerned about their property.

The first call came to the Gardaí at around 11.30 am and a unit of the fire service was dispatched from Gorey, but as they arrived on scene, two other units were called from Gorey, while Bunclody, Arklow, a water tanker and two jeeps were called in as the fire spread over a large area.

A spokesperson for Wexford County Council Fire Service said that many calls came in from residents complaining of the thick smoke which was bellowed across the hill.

“The fire started on the eastern side of Tara Hill and driven by a strong wind quickly spread over a considerable area.

The fire personnel realised that the fire was raging in a densely populated area and their immediate priority was “property protection.”

The major fires were quelled by 6 pm but small pockets remained in other places and it was past midnight before the fire service was content that the blaze was completely extinguished and the community was safe.

There was no injury to persons or property although a considerable amount of wildlife habitats were destroyed.

A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed that there had been thirteen gorse fires in the county in the last ten days, seven domestic fires and twelve chimney fires.

The fire service is also warning people of the need for awareness as a prolonged dry period and a sharp wind can cause fires and are asking people not to discard cigarette butts and to take care in woodland areas.