The minister included forest owners and managers and members of the public in his warning. He said that in recent years the country has experienced a number of major wildfires that have destroyed or damaged property, including farmland and forests.

"These events endanger people’s homes, place enormous strain on the resources of the emergency services and put the lives of rural dwellers and emergency service personnel at considerable risk,” he said.

Hayes noted that following dry weather patterns, a wildfire risk can quickly develop in all areas where flammable vegetation such as grasses, gorse and heather are present, especially in proximity to forests and other assets.

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The minister asked land owners, rural dwellers and other land users to maintain a high degree of vigilance regarding fire over the coming months. He asked forest owners to be especially alert.

"I would urge all forest owners and forest managers to check their fire plans and to ensure that fire-breaks are clear of flammable vegetation and forest access routes are clear of obstructions,” he said.

The minister also took the opportunity to remind land owners that under the Wildlife Acts, it is illegal to burn growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August. He addd that persons engaged in such illegal activity are liable to prosecution and could face fines, imprisonment and penalties to their Single Farm Payments.