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Appeal for information - Forest Fires in Killarney, Kerry on the 8/4/15

An Garda Síochána in the Kerry Division are currently investigating the cause of a number of land and forest fires which took place in the Killarney National Park and surrounding areas on the 8th April 2015.

The fires which lasted for a considerable length of time before being brought under control by the Kerry Fire & Rescue Service have resulted in significant damage to parts of the beautiful and historic National Park which is a major tourist attraction within the County. 

 
A meeting of the Kerry Wildfire Interagency Group involving representatives from An Garda Síochána, the Department of Agriculture, the National Parks & Wildlife Service and the Kerry Fire & Rescue Service took place this morning, 13th April 2015 to formulate an inter-agency response to the investigation of these incidents.

 
An Garda Síochána are now appealing to members of the public for any information or assistance which would progress this investigation.

 
Any information can be passed onto the following contact groups:

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An Garda Síochána – Killarney

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1800 666 111 (Confidential line) 

Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine - Forestry Inspector - Tralee <_u13a_p _rdeditor_exists="1">066-7149340 <_u13a_p _rdeditor_exists="1">
Killarney National Park – Wildlife Rangers <_u13a_p _rdeditor_exists="1">064-6631440 <_u13a_p _rdeditor_exists="1">
Kerry Fire & Rescue Service – Tralee <_u13a_p _rdeditor_exists="1">066-7123111 <_u13a_p _rdeditor_exists="1">
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"An Garda Síochána wish to re-emphasise the threat posed by land and forest fires to people’s lives and property. The fires which occurred in Killarney National Park last week posed a very serious risk to life and property in the affected areas which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of Euro worth of damage to such a wonderful amenity.  The potential long term damage to the local community and economy is enormous and cannot be quantified at this time.  We are adopting an Interagency approach to the investigation of this matter and we are now seeking all available help and information from the public to assist us with our investigation.
 

It is the responsibility of every member of the community, particularly those living near wooded areas, to comply with the relevant legislation and undertake burning in a controlled manner. In addition, members of the community should make themselves aware of the necessary precautions relating to controlled burning by contacting either their local fire services or local Garda Station for advice. Further information is also available on the Garda Website – www.garda.ie ”  - Superintendent Flor Murphy, District Officer Killarney Garda Station.