Gorse Fire

I see that there has been another gorse fire today on Slieve Donard, Ulster's highest peak. I know, through personal experience, that gorse does not catch fire easily. Even with a mere box of matches and newspaper, it can take ages. I know, because we have done it under controlled conditions at National Trust properties. We cut off the unwanted gorse bushes and throw them on a bonfire, always checking the wind direction.

However, when gorse does start burning, the ensuing blaze can be ferocious.

These fires must be started deliberately, by children or like-minded imbeciles who ought to be thrown into a dungeon somewhere with dripping walls and stone floors.