Donegal’s chief fire officer has condemned an incident in which safety equipment was stolen while fire-crews battled gorse fires in West Donegal.
Fire crews spent hours fighting the blazes in West Donegal in the early hours of this morning.
However, it has been confirmed that safety lights put out between the Crolly and Loughanure areas for traffic calming were stolen.
There has now been almost 100 fires in Donegal in the past two weeks.
Acting Chief Fire officer Joe McTaggart appealed for those who took the safety equipment to return it.
“The lights obviously have a value which comes from our budget but it is also the safety aspect to the situation.
“A number of the lights were taken and because of a build-up of traffic in the area, this obviously poses a greater safety risk when they are taken.
“We would appeal to whoever took the lights to return them or let someone know where they are so they can be collected,” he said.
A total of 97 fires have been logged, the majority in the West Donegal areas of Dungloe, Gaoth Dobhair and Falcarragh.
There have also been major gorse fires in Fahan and Pettigo.
Acting Chief Fire officer McTaggart said he does not believe that all the fires were started accidentally.
“It is safe to say that my own personal opinion is that not all the fires started accidentally.
“Our fire crews are retained fire officers in that many of them have day jobs also.
“They have responded magnificently in recent days and are on constant call.
“People have to remember that when they are called to these gorse fires, they are unable to call to other emergencies such as housefires,” he said.
And he warned that with little rain forecast for the coming days for the north-west, the likelihood is for further gorse fires.
“The underground conditions aided by an easterly wind makes it perfect conditions for more gorse fires.
“We just have to hope for a prolonged period of rain,” he said.