Firefighters were tasked to battle a huge blaze at Killarney National Park in Co Kerry last night.
It's understood the illegal fire has damaged approximately 150 acres of the park.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) fought the fire in the Dinis region of Killarney National Park with support from two units of Kenmare and Killarney fire services and Kerry County Council.
It took four hours to bring the blaze under control, RTE reports.
Burning land to drive grass growth is common in Ireland every spring, however, it is illegal between the months of March and August.
The Department of Agriculture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht slammed those who set the fire on Twitter.
They said: "Aside from diverting emergency services, it is illegal to burn land at this time and those that do face penalties.
"It’s now prime season for nesting birds, breeding mammals and regeneration of growth and habitats after winter, NPWS appeals to public to stop setting gorse fires."
A Kerry Co Council spokesperson added: "Thanks to our Fire Service for working through the night.
"This is an unnecessary strain on resources at a time of national emergency."
