An investigation is underway following a fire at a popular beach in Wexford yesterday.
Gardaí are currently looking into the cause of the fire at Curracloe beach. The beach was densely populated at the time of the fire.
Flames engulfed the sand dunes and caused traffic diversions in the area. The beach was swiftly evacuated, as were the surrounding car parks.
Tracie Lawlor Memorial Swim at Curracloe had to be abandoned today because of the fire in the dunes. The swimmers left the beach in an orderly manner and all are safe. We would like to thank Wexford Fire Brigade and An Garda Síochána and the volunteers from @WexMasters pic.twitter.com/tZ4OWMw307
— Leinster Open Sea (@LeinsterOpenSea) July 22, 2018
No cause has been confirmed but reports are claiming a barbecue caused the fire.
Gardaí and numerous fire brigade units attended the scene. Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe praised their efforts.
“I would like to commend members of the Wexford Fire Brigade, especially its chief Fire Officer Paul L’Estrange, members of An Garda Síochána , the ambulance service and of course the Air Corps for their efforts in bringing this situation under control.”
Great professional work from @LeinsterOpenSea and @WexMasters for their safety today. Mid race to get swimmers out of the water so quick. Well done also to the guards and wexford fire service.
— Aidan Hickey (@AidanHickey) July 22, 2018
“There have been many serious fires related to the hot spell and this is the latest example. I want to commend all the agencies for their efforts.
He added: “I visited the scene myself to see first hand the impact. Public safety is the number one priority and all personnel acted quickly and appropriately.”
Yesterday I witnessed the situation at Curracloe beach in Wexford which could have ended in tragedy. Some 44,400 litres of water were dropped by the @IrishAirCorps . I commend the remarkable effort by all our agencies in dealing with this fire. pic.twitter.com/550rthdcCv
— Paul Kehoe T.D (@campaign4kehoe) July 23, 2018
The Leinster Open Sea race was taking place when the fire broke out. The event had to be abandoned due to the fire.
No injuries have been reported.
