Gardaí investigating suspected arson attack at beauty spot, popular with Limerick walkers
A FIRE, which blazed for over seven hours in the 12 O’Clock Hills, in east Clare, has resulted in garda launching an investigation with indications of ‘malicious intent’.
Investigations into what is believed to be criminal damage have been launched. There is a suspicion of arson as copper wiring and insulation were discovered.
Shannon fire services were first on the scene, with one unit and one fire jeep arriving at at around 5:35pm last Thursday. One unit from Limerick city and one from Killaloe arrived later. They did not depart until approximately 12:30am - seven hours after the alarm was raised.
Emergency services and gardaí also attended. No injuries have been reported, albeit two residents were evacuated from their homes as a precaution, after 8pm.
The popular walking trail of the 12 O’Clock Hills has now been closed to the public until further notice, due to damage caused by the blaze. The scene was subsequently handed over to Coillte, the State owned forestry business that manages around 7% of Ireland’s land.
Coillte hired a helicopter, which took over fire prevention duties by dispensing large amounts of water over the smouldering forest from 6am on Friday, June 9. It has since been extinguished.
The hill Knockanuarha, also known as the 12 O'Clock Hills, is located 5km southeast of Kilkishen village. Concerns over the destruction of wildlife have since been raised, as the woodland is thought to be home to many different species and biodiversity.