Killarney Water Rescue helping firefighters get across the lake.

OUR HEROES: Members of Killarney Fire Service who put themselves in the line of fire to tackle the largest blaze ever at Killarney National Park were: Martin O'Grady, Paudie Mangan (Station Officer), John O'Grady, Pat Fleming, Sinead Galvin, James Kissane, Denis Mangan and Jonathan Cronin. Missing from photo are: Brendan Connors, Gary Cassidy and Anthony Breen. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

The heroes of the weekend were the dedicated firefighters and volunteers who worked tirelessly with little time for rest - until the fires were fully under control.

Killarney Station Officer Paudie Mangan has praised all involved in tackling the fires and the tremendous support received by the community who provided food and drinks to the tired workers and volunteers.

Initially when called out on Friday night he described how the fire was "fairly alright" but how the "strong wind developed the fire very quickly".

At that stage there was only one crew at the scene when another call came in for the Coolies area and Kenmare Fire Service had to be dispatched.

As the fire on the Kenmare Road got stronger and close to the road at Dinis, the Killorglin crew joined the fight. Kenmare then left Coolies and fell in with them.

"It was heading up to the Eagle's Nest and the Long Range River - that was an all nighter. We had everyone on low ground and it was extinguished by 5am."

Killorglin and Kenmare crews were stood down but the Killarney crew stayed on the scene monitoring the fire on the mountains which they had had no access to.

"At first light I contacted the Park Rangers as the ancient wood, if that caught fire there would have been severe consequences for the park."

[caption id="attachment_37271" align="alignleft" width="283"] Killarney Water Rescue helping firefighters get across the lake.[/caption]

The first helicopter arrived on scene at 2pm on Saturday. A fire crew was deployed to the Long Range River, Doogary and Tower Woods. The Killarney, Sneem and Killorglin crews were also on scene as well. Killarney Water Rescue brought some of the fire fighters across the river "with great difficulty" as hoses and pipes had to go into a second boat.

"The terrain was a big challenge, a lot of hard work, but it paid off."

On Sunday crews again went by boat to Doogary Woods. Later Killarney, Kenmare, Killorglin and Macroom tackled the fires in the Black Valley until 1.30am with Killarney fire crews staying on scene until 3am as a precaution.

He added that the fires came as close to 10 metres of the school.

By first light on Monday a private chopper came on scene.

"Our concern was that the fire was going over towards Tomies Wood. The chopper was trying to extinguish the top of Tomies mountain and the Air Corp joined at 10.30am and the fire was under control before lunchtime on Monday. The choppers remained for most of the evening to make sure there was no danger."

In his 30 years service, Paudie said that it is the largest fire of his career.

"I want to say thank you to every neighbouring brigades that fell in. All worked extremely hard and everybody gave it their all."

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Over the course of the three long days and nights on duty, they had little time to eat - and Paudie said he'd like to say a huge thank you to the communty who came to their aid.

"On behalf of Killarney Fire Brigade, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in the community of Killarney for the donations of food and refreshments over the weekend. The generosity of the people of Killarney and surrounding communities never ceases to amaze us. The thoughtfulness of everyone, from the people who dropped sandwiches, water, fruit and snacks and homebaking and all the businesses who gave us refreshments. They're are too many to mention, but we wish to thank each of you most sincerely for your generosity, we really appreciate it all."