Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) farm forestry chair Padraig Stapleton has raised concerns over the threat of forest fires posed by changing weather patterns.
“Few have felt it more deeply than forestry owners in recent weeks. Wildfires have ravaged through parts of the country, leaving a devastating trail of destruction to woodlands, habitats and eco systems,” he said.
Stapleton warned the long spells of hot, dry weather create perfect conditions for wildfires and are likely to become more common in the future.
“The long spells of hot, dry weather this summer have given rise to perfect conditions for wildfires to weak havoc in our plantations.
"Looking to the future, these spells are likely to become more of the norm. As a result, a secure fire plan and managing land adjacent to plantations is now an essential farming practice,” Stapleton said.
Planning ahead
The IFA has recommended using the Department forest certification fact sheet, which includes a risk assessment and measures to minimise risk.
The IFA has also suggested having a fire plan map displayed at the plantations, including information such as designated meeting places, boundaries, hazards and firebreaks, location of water or firefighting equipment and contact details for the forest owner and the local fire brigade.
Stapleton outlined that a reduction in the outbreak of forest fires is the primary aim. However, the development of a reliable fire plan and regular reviews and discussions over procedure is important for minimising potential consequences if they do occur.
IFA president Francie Gorman echoed this at a recent wildfire outbreak at Slievenamon: “We need to see a greater level of co-ordination from all of the bodies involved and make sure that we’re better prepared into the future to be able to take control of these fires when they happen.”
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