Ireland hit with High Forest Fire Risk Warning

Ireland has been placed under a Status Orange High Forest Fire Risk Warning until next Monday.

The alert has been put in place due to forecast dry weather and moderate easterly winds over the next 10 to 14 days, which follows a drier than average March.

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.

However, gorse fires have occurred in recent weeks in some parts of the country, including in West Clare and the Mourne Mountains and Glens of Antrim.

According to the Department of Agriculture, “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.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Department said easterly high-pressure dominated weather continues to induce 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, and 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,” added the Department.

The Department has also requested landowners and the public to avoid all outdoor fires and other open ignition sources.

Members of the public and visitors to forests and other recreational areas are also being asked by Coillte to cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant byelaws and should not use barbeques or other outdoor fire sources in amenity areas.