Firefighters tackle blaze at Laois beauty spot

FIREFIGHTERS were called to a blaze at a Laois beauty spot today, after the remains of a barbecue were left smouldering overnight.

Flames were spreading in a wooded area at Derryounce lakes in Portarlington, when crews from the town’s fire station arrived at the scene at mid-day.

Disaster was averted thanks to the prompt action of Portarlington firefighters, who responded immediately when alerted by volunteers at the popular visitor attraction.

Derryounce Experience said on social media at about 1pm: ‘Thank you to our volunteers and to Portarlington Fire Brigade, who arrived within minutes of the call to attend to a fire at Derryounce today. We are lucky that this fire was caught on time.’ 

While considerable damage was caused to a section of the woods, volunteers are relieved that a far more serious blaze was averted.

After the flames were brought under control, barbecue mesh was found in the area where the fire broke out.

Amid the current heatwave, Laois County Fire and Rescue Service has repeatedly warned people not to light barbecues in open countryside. The county remains under an Orange forest fire danger rating until noon on Monday.

The fire service said: ‘Never light fires or BBQs in the countryside. Choose a picnic over a BBQ. It only takes one stray spark or discarded glass bottle to cause a devastating fire. We would ask people to use extreme caution and not put lives, wildlife and our natural habitats in danger.’ 

 Derryounce is particularly susceptible as it is located on a former Bord na Móna industrial peat bog, which once supplied the adjacent ESB Portarlington Power Station. Multiple signage at the beautiful site warns people not to light barbecues and to be extremely cautious.

After the area was deemed safe this afternoon, Derryounce Experience said: 'Thanks to our dedicated volunteers who located the fire, which appears to have been smouldering overnight. Please obey all signage at Derryounce, especially the No BBQs or naked flames.'