Fire alert nears end after busy period for authorities

The risk of forest and gorse fires has reduced dramatically with the onset of cooler and wetter conditions.

A Status Orange HIGH Forest Fire Risk Warning in place nationally for the past fortnight expires at midday on Monday following weeks of multiple fires across Ireland.

Fire behaviour and spread rates were strongly influenced by the dry conditions, low humidity levels and light to moderate windspeeds.

The onset of unsettled and cooler conditions will come as a relief to Fire and Rescue crews.

Fires have broken out in almost every county since dry conditions first took hold in mid-March and particularly since the turn of the month.

In the past week alone, fires have reported in counties Kerry, Mayo, Down, Derry, Fermanagh, Armagh, Antrim, Tyrone, Carlow and Clare.

Northern Ireland Fire & Service (NIFRS) reported on Saturday evening that it was in attendance at a gorse fire in Brookeborough, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh. 6 Fire Appliances and 33 Firefighters were in attendance.

“With the weather warning still in place, we are reminding the public to adhere to our fire safety advice. Please stay vigilant to fire in the countryside. If you see a fire, call 999,” a spokesperson added.

The coming week will feature a mix of sunny spells and scattered, heavy showers.

It will be much cooler with temperatures ranging from 10 to 13c on average.