'Vrlo nepredvidljivo': Šumski požar u nacionalnom parku Killarney još uvijek gori nakon četiri dana

Kerry Fire crews continue to battle a major blaze in Killarney National Park, nearly five days after the fire began. The incident, which has caused significant disruption to local infrastructure and tourism, saw firefighters and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) personnel work tirelessly to bring the flames under control. As of late Thursday, the fire was declared extinguished following sustained efforts, though officials warn that underground smoldering could pose continued risks. The fire, which started on Monday, initially appeared manageable but quickly escalated into a larger challenge. It burned through over 20 hectares of land within the national park, primarily affecting areas of oak, heath, and bog. The origin of the blaze is believed to be linked to a disposable barbecue used on a ledge near the Long Range section of the park. This type of ignition source is common in rural areas, particularly during warmer months when outdoor activities increase. Firefighters faced difficulties due to the unpredictable nature of the fire, exacerbated by strong winds and warm weather conditions. Despite initial containment efforts, flare-ups persisted throughout Wednesday and Thursday, forcing emergency services to deploy additional resources. Shovels and water tankers were used extensively to tackle hotspots, while helicopters equipped with bambi buckets, capable of carrying up to 800 liters of water, were called back to assist with suppression efforts. The N71 road, which passes through the heart of Killarney National Park, remained closed for much of the week due to the danger posed by the fire. However, the stretch between Moll’s Gap and Muckross House was reopened on Thursday afternoon. Nonetheless, Kerry County Council issued a warning that the popular tourist route might need to be closed again if further issues arise. Vincent Horgan, acting director of roads for the county council, described the situation as “very unpredictable.” He noted that underground fires, combined with fluctuating wind patterns, made it challenging to fully assess the extent of damage or predict future flare-ups. Monitoring operations are ongoing, involving collaboration between the Kerry County Council, the fire service, and the NPWS. Personnel are conducting regular checks to ensure that all remaining heat sources are neutralized and that there is no risk of reignition. Mary Sheehan, NPWS regional manager, and Brendan Lynch, a member of the NPWS fire crew, were among those actively engaged in the response effort. They emphasized the importance of public awareness and urged visitors to avoid lighting fires within the park. Officials have also reminded the public of the broader environmental impact of such incidents. The area includes vast tracts of ancient oak woodland, some of which date back centuries. These ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to uncontrolled fires, and the loss of even small sections can have long-term consequences for biodiversity and landscape preservation. As the immediate threat appears to have passed, attention is shifting toward recovery and prevention measures. Authorities are reviewing protocols for managing similar incidents in the future, especially given the increasing frequency of wildfires in Ireland. Public education campaigns are being considered to reduce the likelihood of human-caused ignitions, particularly in sensitive natural areas.