This article is from page 11 of the 2011-03-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
GARDAÍ have launched an investigation after three people were injured following a two-car collision in Gorteen on Saturday night.
One man in his sixties and two men in their thirties are being treated in the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Limerick following the incident which took place at around 12.30am on the Quin Road.
It is thought that the driver of the van involved in the incident of the scene fled the scene on foot after the collision occurred.
One of the injured men managed to release himself from the car and call for assistance.
The three men, a father, his son and a friend, were travelling towards Ennis at the time.
Meanwhile Gardaí have issued an appeal aimed at preventing forest fires.
In Clare in 2010 there were eight fires resulting in 18 hectares being damaged.
According to private forestry business Woodland, at least 500 hectares of private forestry were destroyed by fires in 2010 resulting.
Sgt Joe Downey, Crime Prevention Officer in the Clare Garda Division, explained, “If fires are lit near or adjacent to forests and not properly controlled they can get out of control and cause sever damage to forests and possibly damage homes that are built too close to the forests and in extreme cases to serious injuries.”
He explained that apart from the risk of injuries there is also a significant cost factor to be taken into account.
Sgt Downey is urging any landowners intending to burn land to clear scrub to contact the fire services before doing so.
He explained, “Under certain circumstances, and based mainly on tradition, the burning of land to clear scrub and unwanted vegetation has become and accepted practice. Members of the community who engage in this practice should make themselves aware of the necessary precautions relating to controlled burning by contacting the local fire services.”
Sgt Downey added, “We want to emphasise the threat that land and forest fires present to people’s lives and property. You must comply with the legislation and undertake burning in a controlled manner. It is also advisable to contact the fire services the day before you intend to burn so that they are aware if any phonecalls come into their office.