Status Orange forest fire warning issued for weekend
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a Condition Orange forest fire warning in advance of warm weather forecast for the weekend.
The Department warned of the dangers to resources and public safety from vegetation fires in and around forests and other public recreation sites, particularly near urban areas. Visitors to forests, parks, beaches and other amenities are being asked not to bring barbecues or other sources of ignition, and to ensure that access for emergency services is not obstructed.
It said fires in the current weather conditions can present major challenges for firefighting and divert emergency resources away from other incidents. Smoke from uncontrolled fires can also affect people living downwind. So far this year, more than 4,355 hectares of land have been burned. The Department, which works with Met Éireann to monitor fire risk, has already issued eight fire danger notices in 2025.
Meanwhile, firefighters from Dún Laoghaire are continuing to battle a gorse fire in the Cherrywood and Ticknock area of south Co Dublin, which has been burning since Tuesday night.
Crews from Dublin Fire Brigade remain at the scene, where smoke from the blaze has been visible over surrounding areas. Gentle easterly winds have been carrying the smoke across parts of the city.
Fire prevention plans
Forest owners are advised to put fire prevention plans into effect immediately and be ready for possible outbreaks, particularly on land with public access. Farmers are asked to take extra care when using machinery near hay meadows or during crop harvesting, where sparks or overheating could ignite fires.
Minister of State for Agriculture, Michael Healy-Rae, urged the public to take care over the weekend. “People need to be mindful of fire risk when visiting our forests, parks and beaches this weekend. Leave the barbecue at home, and be considerate when parking at venues. Do not block gates or barriers and keep emergency access routes clear in case they are needed. For those working on the land, keep safe on machinery and tractors and keep an eye on balers and combines for overheating parts that might cause a fire,” he said.
The Department advises members of the public who encounter a fire not to attempt to tackle it, to move to a safe location upwind, and to call 112 or 999 to report its location. Further guidance on fire management and wildfire protection is available on the Department’s website.
