Flemings Folly grass fire brought under control

A warning to be on the alert for forest or gorse fires amid the current hot spell has been issued.

FIREFIGHTERS, with the help of local farmers, spent around five hours extinguishing a grass fire at the Fleming’s Folly beauty spot near Ballinagh last Sunday.

The fire was extinguished by Sunday evening but, Cavan’s Chief Fire Officer has issued safety advice for local people who want to enjoy the current hot weather, which is set to continue for at least a week, in the outdoors.

According to Cavan County Fire Service, Cavan Fire Brigade were called to attend a grass fire at 3:17pm on Sunday afternoon, July 12 in the area around Flemings Folly. They were assisted by the brigade from Killeshandra.

Firefighters tackled the fire using beaters and the water supplies brought to scene in the fire tenders. The brigades established water relays using the additional appliances to ferry water to the site.

“The Fire Service wishes to acknowledge the assistance provided at the scene by local farmers who were able to direct water onto a section of the burning vegetation using a tractor and tanker,” a statement from Cavan County Fire Service said.

Operations were completed at 8:44pm.

Flemings Folly is the stone tower focal point on top of a hill about 1.5kms from Ballinagh on the N55 Cavan Road. Popular with walkers and for barbecues and picnics, the Chief Fire Officer for Cavan, Sinead Sweeney, issued safety advice for local people in the wake of the grass fire.

Forecasters predict the current heatwave in Ireland is set to extend towards the end of July.

Cavan’s Chief Fire Officer Sinead Sweeney issued the following advice to local people following the Flemings Folly fire and ahead of more long, dry spells of hot weather.

“In prolonged periods of dry, hot weather, the countryside becomes a tinderbox and something as small as a discarded cigarette can cause catastrophic damage to the landscape, endangering nearby properties and devastating the environment, while tying up emergency services for hours at a time,” said CFO Sweeney.

“I’d ask the public to refrain from lighting any outdoor fires or barbecues, to properly dispose of any cigarettes, and park responsibly so as not to block emergency service vehicles.

“Landowners are also reminded that burning of growing vegetation on uncultivated land is prohibited during the summer months.”

CFO Sweeney asks anyone who sees a fire to call 112 or 999 immediately.

"I'd also ask the public to be safe while on or near the water at this time of year. Never swim alone, stick to locally-recognised swimming spots, stay within your depth, and remember that hot weather does not mean warm water,” Sinead said.