An investigation into wildfires in County Roscommon earlier this week suggests that the fires were started deliberately
Up to 50 firefighters, stationed in Ballyhaunis, Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, Charlestown and Elphin, responded to multiple fires on Wednesday afternoon near to Loughglynn.
Approximately 800 acres of land suffered as a result, with a number of forestry plantations comprising almost 150 acres, and roughly 30 homes and farms under threat.
Later that evening, another fire broke out covering areas of Carrowbehy and Gorthaganny, with crews working until midnight to bring the blaze under control.
A Spokesperson for Roscommon County Council Fire Service told the Irish Independent that evidence suggests that the fires were started deliberately:
“Evidence suggests the fires were deliberately started along road edges, with the wind spreading the flames to adjacent land where the dry grass provides the fuel for the these fires to spread rapidly.
“We urge the public to report any suspicious activity, as reckless actions put homes and livelihoods at unacceptable risk.”
