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Deadly gorse fires probed
29.03.10
THE NATIONAL Parks and
Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Gardai are investigating
gorse fires that killed wildlife and destroyed
natural habitats in Inishowen last weekend.
NPWS ranger Emmett Johnston warned that anyone
charged with starting the fires deliberately could
face six months in prison and a hefty fine. They
could also be ordered to foot the bill for the
restoration of the destroyed habitat to its original
state.
"March saw one of the driest months on record with
little or no rain and still no sign of the new flush
of grass," said Mr Johnston. |
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"Ground nesting birds,
small mammals and lizards as well as frogs have been
wiped out by the destructive force of the
all-consuming fires, which spread through the dry
undergrowth with lightening speed," he added.
After March 1 and until August 31, it is illegal to
cut, scrub, burn or destroy vegetation growing on
any land not then cultivated, or vegetation growing
in any hedge or ditch during the period.
"Lighting fires at this time of year within the
legally defined bird-breeding season (March 1 -
August 31) and leaving them unattended is totally
irresponsible and completely destructive," he added.
Mr Johnston, who has first hand experience of
working on hunting estates in Scotland, said fires
had recently destroyed wildlife and natural habitats
in the Illies, Porthaw wood and Glengad areas. For
previous story, click
here . |
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