Local residents who had to call the fire service after finding a smouldering campfire at Ballymakellet forest have called for signs to erected highlighting the dangers of camp fires and BBQs. Local residents found a large area of woodland smoking with patches breaking into flames. She recalled last year's devastating fire at Jenkinstown which destroyed a large area of forest and natural habitat, forcing a number of local residents to flee their homes as firefighters battled to bring the blaze under control. It is a shame, that a year later, Louth County Council have not erected signs advising people of the dangers of BBQ's and camp fires in the forest and how they should be successfully extinguished. This would save a lot of time and money in the long run and also help protect and preserve the local area for all to enjoy."

Source: Irish Independent August 13, 2021 15:33 UTC