A status orange forest fire notice is valid until Tuesday 5 June, with a nationwide high risk of fire in all areas where hazardous fuels are present. This results from the current dry conditions, high temperatures and continental high pressure weather systems.

"This risk is projected to peak on Thursday 31 May, particularly in western and northwestern regions," the Department warned.

The notice follows immediately after a previous alert issued last week.

Though more unsettled weather is expected to reduce the risk at the weekend, increased outdoor activity by the public during the bank holiday weekend will increase the potential for fires.

The risk has decreased in hill areas thanks to "increased upland growth levels and live fuel moisture, coupled with high humidity levels," the Department said.

Barbecues and abandoned glass bottles can start devastating fires, while the Department has said that some recent fires have been caused by the illegal burning of waste.

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