Wicklow Mountains National Park Fire Destroys 66 Hectares, Investigation Underway

An illegal fire in Wicklow Mountains National Park on Thursday, May 28, destroyed approximately 66 hectares, an area more than 50 times the size of Croke Park. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has launched an investigation into the blaze, which began in Piperstown, near Glenasmole Valley in South County Dublin.

Wicklow Mountains National Park stated on social media that the fire was intentionally lit, destroying hundreds of hectares of habitat, animals, insects, and plants. A Condition Orange fire risk was in place. Firefighters, using multiple tenders and two helicopters, battled the blaze, which risked houses and a forest plantation, and impacted air quality and M50 traffic. Dublin Fire Service noted strong winds caused «whirling vortices» during efforts.

Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan condemned the «utterly reckless act,» highlighting risks to homes, diversion of emergency services, and devastation of vulnerable habitats and wildlife during nesting season. He confirmed the emergency response is complete and a garda investigation is underway. O’Sullivan emphasized that legislation prohibits burning vegetation during nesting season, making this an illegal wildlife crime subject to prosecution. The NPWS has increased its capacity and will use aerial surveillance this summer. NPWS staff reported numerous destroyed Pipit and Lark nests, with O’Sullivan describing adult birds searching for torched nests as «truly heartbreaking.»

Separately, fire crews also fought a fire on Bray Head last week, which started on Thursday and required dampening-down operations until Saturday due to smouldering and reignition.