By Dan Walsh
Firefighters, Gardaí and local farmers spent Sunday afternoon and late into the night working to control a fire that affected vegetation on Tara Hill in North Wexford.
The fire began in gorse and old vegetation on the eastern side of the hill. It was noticed around 2 pm, assisted by a sea breeze and large plumes of smoke.
Wexford County Council Fire Service sent a number of tenders and water tankers to the scene. Their efforts were strengthened by support from Arklow Fire Service and local farmers who assisted by drawing water from the nearby Ahare River.
The fire seemed under control initially, but it intensified later in the evening, requiring continued efforts throughout the night.
Although there was no threat to homes or property, the impact on wildlife and the environment is evident.
Outbreaks of fire on Tara Hill during dry weather periods are common and have been documented previously.
Tara Hill is included in Wexford’s Walking Trails and is a popular area for hillwalkers and sightseers.
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