Satellite images taken by the European Space Agency of the devastating wildfires in Wicklow in recent days convey “the scale of destruction, devastation and loss of plant and animal life wrought by illegal wildfires”, Minister for Heritage Josepha Madigan has said.
A condition orange warning for fire was in place until Monday 20 April.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff in Wicklow worked with the fire service, battling several separate blazes in recent days, according to the Department.
A shortwave infrared satellite image of the same active fire scene showing flames progressing up a slope. \ European Union, contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2020, processed with EO Browser
“There have been five significant fires in the region since Good Friday. One of the fires burned over several days last week and the emergency response thus far has involved fire service, NPWS and helicopter support to battle them.
“Based on the initial analysis, all five fires would appear to be agricultural in nature,” according to the Department.
A shortwave infrared satellite image of the post- fire burn scar with an area of 114 acres. \ European Union, contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2020, processed with EO Browser
Minister Madigan added that NPWS officials are preparing cross-compliance reports for the Department of Agriculture.
To needlessly tie up the State’s resources during the pandemic in this way is both reckless and irresponsible, she said.
Shortwave infrared satellite image of other large post-fire burn scars acres from separate fires near Ballyknockan, Co Wicklow. \ European Union, contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2020, processed with EO Browser
She noted that, as custodians of nature, the vast majority of farmers and landowners respect the law on burning and are sensitive to our natural heritage. The minister wants to encourage others to follow their example.
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Satellite images taken by the European Space Agency of the devastating wildfires in Wicklow in recent days convey “the scale of destruction, devastation and loss of plant and animal life wrought by illegal wildfires”, Minister for Heritage Josepha Madigan has said.
A condition orange warning for fire was in place until Monday 20 April.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff in Wicklow worked with the fire service, battling several separate blazes in recent days, according to the Department.
A shortwave infrared satellite image of the same active fire scene showing flames progressing up a slope. \ European Union, contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2020, processed with EO Browser
“There have been five significant fires in the region since Good Friday. One of the fires burned over several days last week and the emergency response thus far has involved fire service, NPWS and helicopter support to battle them.
“Based on the initial analysis, all five fires would appear to be agricultural in nature,” according to the Department.
A shortwave infrared satellite image of the post- fire burn scar with an area of 114 acres. \ European Union, contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2020, processed with EO Browser
Minister Madigan added that NPWS officials are preparing cross-compliance reports for the Department of Agriculture.
To needlessly tie up the State’s resources during the pandemic in this way is both reckless and irresponsible, she said.
Shortwave infrared satellite image of other large post-fire burn scars acres from separate fires near Ballyknockan, Co Wicklow. \ European Union, contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2020, processed with EO Browser
She noted that, as custodians of nature, the vast majority of farmers and landowners respect the law on burning and are sensitive to our natural heritage. The minister wants to encourage others to follow their example.
Read more
Firefighters tackle 23,500 forest, bog and gorse fires
Map: over 1,500 farm building fires in eight years
Dangers of sky lanterns highlighted after bull killed
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