The NPWS says early notification from the public to the fire in Killarney National Park was critical from preventing it becoming a more significant incident.
The alarm was raised shortly before 5.30 yesterday evening to the blaze in the Five Mile Bridge area, near Moll’s Gap.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service, which manages Killarney National Park, estimate between 20-22 hectares of the park have been destroyed.
It praised the public for promptly raising the alarm which enabled emergency services and NPWS to mobilise to the scene quickly.
Units from Kenmare, Killarney and Killorglin fire stations were tasked to the blaze, and assisted by two helicopters using Bambi buckets - which extracted water from the lake to quench the flames.
The fire was brought under control at around 10.30 last night, with the blaze extinguished at around 12.15am, according to Kerry County Council.
The NPWS says the area damaged in Killarney National Park includes a mixture of dry heath, wet heath and blanket bog along with pockets of native old oak woodland.
It said the response to the fire focused on protecting the old oak woodland habitat within the Park.
Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan says the blaze came within metres of Ireland’s “last stands of truly ancient Oakwood”.
He says the fires are not natural disasters, but instead caused by 'the reckless use of disposable barbecues':
Meanwhile, the Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District has praised the response of the emergency services and NPWS to the fire.
Cllr John O’Donoghue described it as an excellent display of co-operation and said all are to be highly commended for their efforts.
The Kerry Independent Alliance councillor has urged the public to play their part in preserving the National Park
He reiterated that camp fires and BBQs are prohibited in Killarney National Park.
Cllr O'Donoghue asked people to be respectful of their surroundings and to not place themselves and others in danger during the extended dry spell.
