Minister highlights forest fire risks

By Donal Magner

Although the peak fire danger period has passed, forest owners need to remain vigilant, especially during prolonged dry periods. While ground vegetation is now growing, which reduces the risk of fire, it is not unusual in dry spells for forest fires to continue well into the summer.

Commenting on the recent spate of forest fires, Seán Connick, Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, expressed concern about the potential risk to lives and livelihoods arising from fires.

He saw at first-hand the damage caused to forests in the Blackstairs Mountains. The damage could have been worse and he thanked all of those who had helped to control the forest fires that threatened a number of Ireland's forests recently.

''Hundreds of hectares of woodland have been lost nationally and it has taken a lot of time and effort to bring the fires under control,'' he said. He reminded growers of steps that need to be taken to minimise the risk of forest fires, including:

Check fire breaks and ensure that they are vegetation-free to a width of at least six metres. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that fire breaks surrounding plantations are maintained and inspected regularly.

Fire plans should be developed for all plantations to include maps showing access and assembly points for fire fighting personnel, along with equipment and potential sources of water. The plan should also include necessary contact details for the emergency services, relevant forest management organisations, neighbouring landowners and forest owners.

Forest owners should be particularly vigilant following prolonged dry spells.

Co-operation between neighbouring landowners is vital to successful fire prevention.

A number of growers contacted said that some landowners are under the impression that it is appropriate to burn dead vegetation so as to 'green-up' areas with fresh growth.

There should be no ambivalence about lighting fires.

The Minister reminded all landowners that it is an offence under the Wildlife Act to burn growing vegetation between 1 March and 31 August, on any land not then cultivated. Single Payment Scheme applicants, who burn vegetation within this period, could have their payments reduced.

There is little doubt that the prolonged dry spell has contributed to the high incidences of fire this year. However, one grower who contacted the Irish Farmers Journal said that there might be other reasons.

He maintained, for example, that there were 'vast tracts of land, including Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and National Heritage Areas (NHAs), with no external or internal fire belts, so hill fires are now travelling over greater distances than before'.

He said that high incidences of fire will become an annual issue as 'few, if any, arsonists are being pursued and made accountable for illegal fires'.

In the meantime, vigilance is required. If a plantation is destroyed or damaged by fire, it should be reported to the nearest Garda station and to the Forest Service. In addition, the Minister reminded growers that all forest crops should be insured against losses by fire, which is one of the risks for which cover is available commercially.

The reconstitution scheme, formerly administered by the Forest Service, no longer covers fire damage.

Picture Above:Minister Sean Connick (right), framed by charred pine branches, inspects fire damage in the Blackstairs. With him are Declan Doyle, Coillte forest manager and Fergus Moore, divisional forestry inspector, Forest Service.