DAFM issues high fire risk warning for coming days
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued a ‘Condition Orange’ forest fire warning for the coming days.
Due to the current weather patterns, the department said that a high fire-risk is deemed to exist in all areas where “hazardous fuels” such as dead grasses and shrub fuels like gorse and heather are present.
The warning is currently set to remain in place until 12:00p.m on Monday, April 7.
The department said that the current easterly high-pressure dominated weather continues to bring moderate to fresh south winds across Ireland and this is forecast to continue over coming days.
"Strongly elevated fire risks are expected in areas with fire-prone upland vegetation types," it said.
DAFM said that fire behaviour and spread rates are likely to be strongly influenced by lower humidity levels associated with easterly winds and elevated windspeeds, which may exceed 20km/h at times.
"Recent fire activity appears to be focussed on areas associated with active turf cutting and illegal waste dumping, and additional vigilance is warranted in these areas.
"Members of the public and visitors to recreational areas should be vigilant and report all suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána.
"All rural users should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles," the department added.
All forest owners and managers are being advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire.
The department said that fire lines, fire plans, and fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made ready.
Owners and managers of forestry should also check that insurance and helicopter contracts are checked and confirmed.
They should also consider the fire mitigation measures that they can put in place to help prevent loss or damage to forest resources through fire
The department said that it is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between March 1 and August 31, in any year.
It added that landowners found burning illegally could face fines, imprisonment and single farm payment penalties.
The department reminded members of the public who are planning on visiting forests not to use barbeques or open fires at any stage.
