Lives Put At Risk In North East Clare Forest Fires

Photo @ Pat Flynn

Clare’s County Fire Service says lives were put at risk during a number of forest fires across north east Clare over the weekend.

Crews managed to save a home on the verge of becoming engulfed in the blaze that spanned five square miles of forestry in the Loughatorick area, between Flagmount and Woodford.

The fire has since been brought under control but the operation is expected to cost Clare County Council tens of thousands of euro, while the extent of damages for landowners is not yet known.

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A garda investigation is underway and a forensic examination is being carried out today to determine the cause of the fire.

It’s not yet known whether the fires started on the Clare or Galway side of the border.

Gardaí in Killaloe are investigating and are appealing to witnesses to contact them on 061  620 540.

An orange fire warning was in place up until noon today and Acting Chief Fire Officer, Denis O’Connell has been telling Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill that igniting fires during that time had significant consequences: