Firefighters battle severe blaze in Co Kerry

Firefighters are battling a severe blaze at a national park in Co Kerry.

The public has been asked to avoid a number of areas of Killarney National Park.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Malcolm Noonan said emergency service personnel are working tirelessly to quench the flames.

“The cause of the fire is not yet known and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be following up with authorities including the Kerry Fire Services to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the blaze once circumstances permit,” he said.

Mr Noonan described fires as “particularly destructive in spring and early summer” as prime season for nesting birds, breeding mammals and the regeneration of growth and habitats after the winter period.

He urged members of the public to exercise caution around fire.

“Even planned and/or ‘controlled’ burning can get out of hand very quickly, so it is critically important that every member of society realises the damage that can be caused to property and, indeed, the health and welfare of family, neighbours and the wider community, and the responding emergency services,” he said.