Nature Minister Christopher O'Sullivan has confirmed that the disastrous wildfire at Killarney National Park was the result of human activity.
O'Sullivan expressed that the wildfire was not a natural disaster and was a result of human activity, according to The Journal.
The fire broke out in the park on Tuesday and caused major damage to the area of Five Mile Bridge on the N71 Killarney-Kenmare road.
The fire was caused by "reckless use of disposable barbecues", O'Sullivan said.
The Nature Minister condemned the use of disposable barbecues as "utterly unacceptable" and said it is "gross irresponsibility especially during a heatwave."
“It is a crime against nature, against local communities and against future generations who have the right to inherit these precious landscapes intact. The message is simple: leave these places as you found them or better, and leave no trace," O'Sullivan said via The Journal.
“As Minister for Nature, I take a zero-tolerance attitude towards lighting fires in our national parks and wild places. The damage to biodiversity, wildlife, livelihoods and public safety can be – and too often is – catastrophic," he continued.
The wildfire burned through 20 hectares last night. Several fire service units from Killarney have battling the fire with firefighters from Kenmare, Killorglin.
O'Sullivan stated his thanks to the National Park and Wildlife Service staff, firefighters and emergency services who worked in "difficult conditions, to contain this fire and protect one of Ireland’s greatest natural assets.”
