Fire Crews, Coast Guard and Harbour Tug Tackle Large Blaze Near Camden Fort, Crosshaven

A significant fire broke out near Camden Fort in Crosshaven on 13 July, drawing units from four fire stations, the Coast Guard and a harbour tug, with Gardaí advising nearby residents to stay indoors as smoke crossed the harbour.

Gardaí confirmed they were on scene in Crosshaven alongside the Fire Service, advising residents in the local area to remain indoors and keep doors and windows closed as the fire took hold.

Cork County Council said the blaze was a significant vegetation fire in the vicinity of Camden Fort. Cork County Fire Service responded with crews from Crosshaven, Carrigaline and Kinsale Fire Stations, supported by Cork City Fire Brigade, with a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a water tanker also deployed to assist firefighting operations.

Strong easterly winds carried a significant volume of smoke across the harbour towards Carrigaline, the council said, at times making it difficult to accurately assess the fire's location and extent from land. The Coast Guard was requested to assist and provided valuable support from the water, enabling firefighters to gain a clearer view of the affected area and coordinate firefighting operations more effectively. The council said the Port of Cork's firefighting tug also attended the scene and assisted operations through the use of its water cannons.

Cork County Council said the fire has since been extinguished, with fire crews remaining on site for a number of hours to carry out damping-down operations and ensure there is no risk of reignition. Cork County Fire Service thanked all responding agencies for their cooperation and assistance in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion.

Cork City Fire Brigade, describing the incident as a significant gorse fire, said its crews worked tirelessly alongside Cork County Fire Service colleagues for over four hours to bring the blaze under control. The fire was successfully prevented from spreading to nearby homes, protecting local residents and property. The brigade thanked the public for their patience and cooperation while emergency services dealt with the incident.

Cllr Una McCarthy, Cork County Council said:

"I've been informed that the fire in Crosshaven has now been contained, thanks to the outstanding work of the fire crews from Crosshaven, Carrigaline, Cork City, and Kinsale Fire Brigades, with assistance from the Crosshaven Coast Guard and the Port of Cork fire-fighting tug."

Speaking with firefighters at the scene, Cllr McCarthy said they had again highlighted serious concerns about water pressure, which she said proved to be an issue during the incident, adding that this was concerning as the same problem had been identified following the Carrigaline fire last September. She said water tankers from the city were deployed early and played a crucial role in helping to contain the fire. She added:

"Our firefighters, together with all the emergency services involved, continue to do an incredible job in extremely challenging circumstances. They deserve the infrastructure, resources, and support they need to respond safely and effectively. These longstanding issues regarding water pressure must now be addressed."