The Department of Agriculture has issued a condition red forest fire warning - the highest there is - as thousands prepare to descend upon forests and recreational areas near forestry over the weekend.
Temperatures are forecast to hit 30°C in many parts of the country over the coming weekend and the Department has warned the public of the dangers associated with starting fires in and around forested or vegetated areas.
The public has been asked not to bring barbecues and other ignition sources to recreational areas, while remaining mindful of emergency services’ access to recreational areas when parking.
The Department said that gorse and heather can give rise to “rapid and unpredictable wildfire” and that upland fires can pose “extreme difficulties” to firefighting efforts.
It stated that over 4,300ha of land has been damaged by fires so far this year.
Machinery warning
Farmers have also been warned to remain vigilant using machinery around hay meadows and to refrain from starting fires on farmland.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Michael Healy-Rae TD said that the weather provides a great opportunity for the public to enjoy forests, national parks and scenic areas, but there is a need to protect these areas and rural livelihoods when doing so.
“We want people to enjoy themselves responsibly, but to leave the barbecues and campfires at home this weekend,” he said.
“Be mindful of how you park and report fires immediately to emergency services via 112.”
Advice
The Department has advised members of the public who come into contact with fire outbreaks not to attempt to intervene under any circumstances, gather all group members to a fuel-free location such as a car park, and to telephone emergency services at 112 to report the fire.
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Take action: how to prevent fire risk in hot weather this harvest
The Department of Agriculture has issued a condition red forest fire warning - the highest there is - as thousands prepare to descend upon forests and recreational areas near forestry over the weekend.
Temperatures are forecast to hit 30°C in many parts of the country over the coming weekend and the Department has warned the public of the dangers associated with starting fires in and around forested or vegetated areas.
The public has been asked not to bring barbecues and other ignition sources to recreational areas, while remaining mindful of emergency services’ access to recreational areas when parking.
The Department said that gorse and heather can give rise to “rapid and unpredictable wildfire” and that upland fires can pose “extreme difficulties” to firefighting efforts.
It stated that over 4,300ha of land has been damaged by fires so far this year.
Machinery warning
Farmers have also been warned to remain vigilant using machinery around hay meadows and to refrain from starting fires on farmland.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Michael Healy-Rae TD said that the weather provides a great opportunity for the public to enjoy forests, national parks and scenic areas, but there is a need to protect these areas and rural livelihoods when doing so.
“We want people to enjoy themselves responsibly, but to leave the barbecues and campfires at home this weekend,” he said.
“Be mindful of how you park and report fires immediately to emergency services via 112.”
Advice
The Department has advised members of the public who come into contact with fire outbreaks not to attempt to intervene under any circumstances, gather all group members to a fuel-free location such as a car park, and to telephone emergency services at 112 to report the fire.
Read more
Farmers advised to manage heat stress in cattle during hot spell
Weekend weather: scorcher on the cards
Take action: how to prevent fire risk in hot weather this harvest
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