A high fire risk is forecast in all areas where hazardous fuels exist. The risk is expected to be sustained well into the coming week.

An increased ignition risk is associated with the May bank holiday weekend according to the Department and expected increased public activity in high-risk areas, particularly areas associated with turf-cutting activities.

This risk condition will remain in place until 12.00pm on Thursday unless otherwise stated by the Department of Agriculture.

Advice to forest owners and managers

All forest owners and managers are again advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire.

Fire lines, fire plans and fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made ready and other relevant contingencies such as insurance, helicopter contracts etc checked and confirmed.

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 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.

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