Clare County Fire Service has confirmed there’s an indication that a significant forest fire in South East Clare has been started maliciously.
Units from Clare and Limerick Fire Services were dispatched to the Twelve O’Clock Hills last evening, where copper wiring and insulation was discovered in any area where the fire ignited.
The scene was handed over to Coillte early this morning, with a helicpoter depositing large quantities of water over the burning woodland.
The fire has resulted in the popular 12 O’Clock Hills walking trail being closed to the public until further notice, with an inspection due to be carried out tomorrow.
Retired Veterinary Nurse and local woman Bev Truss has been telling Clare FM’s Daragh Dolan that the wide range of biodiversity inhabiting the woods are in critical danger and she’s urging people to be on the lookout for animals in distress.
You can listen to the full interview below.