Dublin Gorse Fire: Firefighters Battle Ticknock Park Blaze

Firefighters have been battling a gorse wildfire at Ticknock ParkCherrywood since Tuesday night.

Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) confirmed that units from Dún Laoghaire and Donnybrook stations were still at the scene on Wednesday dealing with the incident.

Videos posted to social media show a thick layer of smoke across the area, visible from the nearby M50.

A combination of backpack sprayers, lightweight hoses and other tools were used to prevent the fire spreading.

“Most wildfires are as a result of human interaction”, DFB said on Twitter.

It has appealed for people to avoid setting open fires and to only use barbecues in designated places.

Fine Gael Councillor for Glencullen-Sandyford Pierce Dargan said while it was “too early to tell” the cause of the fire, “most of these fires are found to be caused unfortunately by people who have barbecues or set camp fires, and that’s just a fact.”

He echoed Dublin Fire Brigade’s appeal not to light fires or use barbecues in the area.

In a statement, Dublin City Council, which is responsible for the fire brigade, said it had received multiple 999 calls shortly before 2pm on Wednesday reporting a flare up of the gorse wildfire at Ticknock.

“Two fire engines from Dun Laoghaire and Donnybrook fire stations are currently on scene and they being supported by a water tanker and foam tender,” it said.

“We are asking local residents to close all windows and doors if they are affected by smoke.”