'Heroic' emergency services praised after major Inishowen gorse fire that threatened homes

Fire crews from across Inishowen battled the blaze – which could be seen for miles – in the townland of Annagh.

There were fears for homes, which were located close to the fire.

However, it is understood that after working through the night, crews brought the fire under control at around 6am on Thursday morning.

There is much relief and gratitude in the local community, which has been expressing their thanks.

Atlantic Stores & Foodmarket in Ballyliffin are giving free tea and coffee all day today for any emergency services personnel, while Nancy’s Barn in Ballyliffin urged them to ‘call in for a free tea, coffee and a ‘breakfast Bap.’

Clonmany Parish posted a prayer of gratitude on its Facebook page, which included the words:

“Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your protection over the people of Clonmany during the gorse fire last night.

We are deeply grateful that all are safe and well, and we praise You for watching over our homes and our community.

Lord, we ask Your special blessing upon the firefighters and all who worked so bravely to bring the fire under control.

Protect them in their duties, strengthen them in their work, and reward their courage and dedication.

Continue to bless our parish, bring comfort and peace to all who were affected,

and strengthen the bonds of our community in faith and hope.”

Donegal County Councillor Jack Murray also said: “Massive fair play to the firefighters from across Inishowen who battled the fire in Clonmany throughout last night.

“While most of us were at home with our families, they were out in difficult and dangerous conditions, protecting people, homes, property and our community.

“Their courage, professionalism and commitment is something we should never take for granted.

“Thank you to every firefighter, crew member and emergency responder involved — and to their families too, who share in that sacrifice every time the call comes.

“Inishowen is very grateful.

Councillor Joy Beard also expressed thanks.

She said: “’I’ve been told the fire was brought under control at 6am and it came close to homes. Thanks for our heroic firefighters who worked through the night to bring the fire under control.”

Meanwhile, Donegal County Council has advised of an Status Orange High Fire Risk, effective until April 27.

"Arising from current and forecast weather patterns a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.

Current high-pressure conditions are forecast to transition to easterly high-pressure conditions during the span of this notice. While some areas may be subject to rain during this time, elevated fire risks are expected in all areas during this period, especially western coastal and North-western areas. Fire behaviour, spread rates and difficulty of suppression will be strongly influenced by increasingly dry fuel conditions, low humidity levels associated with easterly winds, and moderate to fresh windspeeds. Windspeeds can be expected exceed critical 30km/h in some areas at times some southern areas during the span of this notice.

"Increased vigilance to fire is warranted in areas with open public access, active turf-cutting and other high-risk activities. Landowners and managers should remain vigilant to all fire activity and report all suspicious activity to An Garda Siochana. Visitors to public recreational areas should cooperate with all fire safety requirements and not light open fires or barbeques in high-risk areas. Rural users should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.”