Status Orange fire risk warning in place
A Status Orange HIGH Forest Fire Risk Warning has been issued for all of Ireland until midday on Tuesday.
Arising from current weather patterns a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.
Fire behaviour and spread rates will be strongly influenced by increasingly dry fuel conditions, low humidity levels and variable light to moderate windspeeds.
Windspeeds may exceed 20km/h in some areas at times.
Under Irish law, the cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of vegetation growing on “any land not then cultivated” is prohibited between 1st March and 31st August annually.
Coillte is advising members of the public and visitors to its forests and other recreational areas to cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and to not use barbeques or other outdoor fire sources in forest lands during the duration of this warning.
Where fire outbreaks occur at or near forest recreational areas the following actions should be taken by visitors in the interests of safety.
- Do not light fires in and around forests or open land.
- Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances.
- Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire.
- Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location.
- Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions.
