As a result of the current weather conditions, a high fire risk warning has been issued for all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.
The Department of Agriculture has issued a condition orange fire risk from Thursday until Monday 20 April.
“Based on recent fire incidents, most ignition risks appear to be associated with illegal burning of upland vegetation, particularly in areas where active turf cutting is taking place.
“Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites are reminded of the requirement to remain within 2km of their homes and to adhere to regulations introduced to limit the spread of COVID-19. Vehicles should not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads.
“Fire behaviour is likely to be influenced by light to moderate wind speeds during the lifespan of this warning,” the Department said.
Advice
All forest owners and managers are advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire.
Recent weeks have seen significant fire activity and losses in forestry. Fire lines, fire plans and fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made ready. Other relevant contingencies such as insurance and helicopter contracts should be checked and confirmed.
“The need for increased vigilance at this time cannot be overstated. Forest owners, farmers, rural dwellers and other countryside users are asked to be extremely vigilant regarding fire activity, to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the gardaí and to report all fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999,” the Department said.
The Department recommends that forest owners and managers should consider the fire mitigation measures that they can put in place to help prevent loss or damage to forest resources through fire.
Read more
Firefighters tackle 23,500 forest, bog and gorse fires
Map: over 1,500 farm building fires in eight years
Satellite images show illegal burning in rural areas
As a result of the current weather conditions, a high fire risk warning has been issued for all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.
The Department of Agriculture has issued a condition orange fire risk from Thursday until Monday 20 April.
“Based on recent fire incidents, most ignition risks appear to be associated with illegal burning of upland vegetation, particularly in areas where active turf cutting is taking place.
“Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites are reminded of the requirement to remain within 2km of their homes and to adhere to regulations introduced to limit the spread of COVID-19. Vehicles should not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads.
“Fire behaviour is likely to be influenced by light to moderate wind speeds during the lifespan of this warning,” the Department said.
Advice
All forest owners and managers are advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire.
Recent weeks have seen significant fire activity and losses in forestry. Fire lines, fire plans and fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made ready. Other relevant contingencies such as insurance and helicopter contracts should be checked and confirmed.
“The need for increased vigilance at this time cannot be overstated. Forest owners, farmers, rural dwellers and other countryside users are asked to be extremely vigilant regarding fire activity, to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the gardaí and to report all fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999,” the Department said.
The Department recommends that forest owners and managers should consider the fire mitigation measures that they can put in place to help prevent loss or damage to forest resources through fire.
Read more
Firefighters tackle 23,500 forest, bog and gorse fires
Map: over 1,500 farm building fires in eight years
Satellite images show illegal burning in rural areas
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