A wildfire scorched more than 25 hectares of Killarney National Park in County Kerry on the evening of 14 July 2026, threatening ancient oak woodland before firefighters and helicopters using Bambi buckets brought the blaze under control. The fire, which started around 18:00 near the Five Mile Bridge and Moll's Gap area, forced the closure of the N71 road between Moll's Gap and Muckross House.
Minister of State Christopher O'Sullivan said the fire was caused by human activity rather than natural conditions, calling it a crime against nature. Investigators believe a discarded disposable barbecue was the likely source. Crews from Killarney, Kenmare, and Killorglin, coordinated with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, contained the fire by roughly 22:30.
Authorities have urged public vigilance amid a spell of hot weather, noting that heath fires have broken out across the country. The ancient oak woodland at the heart of the park was successfully protected from the flames.