By Dionne Meehan
A LOCAL councillor has slammed the dumping of two disposable barbecues on Muckish Mountain, calling it “complete madness”.
The incident comes after a weekend where emergency services tackled two wildfires in the county — one at Barnesmore Gap in the Bluestack Mountains, and another at Knockalla on the Fanad Peninsula.
With an orange fire danger notice in effect across the county until Monday, April 14, Donegal County Council urged landowners and the public to exercise caution and take all necessary steps to prevent wildfires.
However, Cllr Michael McClafferty said those who held barbecues on Muckish Mountain over the weekend were “asking for trouble.”
“It is complete madness,” Cllr McClafferty said.
“God forbid Muckish, or any other mountain like it, were to catch fire.
“It could result in tens of thousands of euro worth of damage, and possibly the whole railway walk being totally destroyed.”
Cllr McClafferty condemned the actions as highly irresponsible.
“People need to wise up and realise what they are doing,” he said.
“There is a time and a place for barbeques and up the side of Muckish Mountain is not the place for one.
“Have your picnic surely, but no source of ignition.
“Even something as small as a discarded cigarette could spark a gorse fire, let alone bringing a lighter to start a barbecue.”
Following the incident, Cllr McClafferty urged the public to be extra vigilant and to take responsibility for their actions.
“Please be extra careful and vigilant,” he said.
“What may go wrong for you as an accident, could turn someone else’s life upside down, if not cost them their life.”
Meanwhile, Donegal County Council continue to appeal to landowners and members of the public not to engage in activities that could cause wildfires.
Landowners and members of the public are urged to be vigilant and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the fire service by dialing 999 or 112.
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