Tens of thousands of mature forestry have been destroyed in a major weekend forest fire on Coolmeelagh Hill, between Bunclody and Carnew.

COOLMEELAGH HILL

Wexford Fire Service were first notified of the fire around tea-time on Sunday evening and three appliances, two tankers and 20 personnel were immediately dispatched to the smoking inferno.
The fire personnel left the scene on Monday morning at 11 am but returned on Monday evening when a “number of hot spots needed to be tackled.”
Monday was the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures reaching 27 degrees and “a red alert forest fire warning” was in place for the whole country.
The vast area affected consisted of mature forestry and was a safe habitat for wildlife and animals.
According to DiscoverIreland.ie Coolmeelagh is one of the longest loop walks ascending to 140 metres and runs for 12kms.
The countryside is breathtaking with amazing views of the surrounding countryside of Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow and Mount Leinster.
Wexford Fire Service is asking the public to be vigilant during the ‘heatwave’ weather and warns people not to light fires, either intentionally or accidentally, due to the extremely dry weather.
People are asked people not to light barbecues outside of designated areas and to always take care when disposing of cigarettes because of the tinder dry nature of vegetation across the county.
If anyone notices smoke they should immediately contact the emergency services on 999 or 112.