Status Orange High Forest Fire Risk Warning in place until Monday May 13th
- Status Orange HIGH National Forest Fire Risk Warning in place until 6pm Monday 13th May
- Landowners and the public should avoid all outdoor fires and other open ignition sources
- All land owners urged to obey restrictions in place for land burning
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a Status Orange, High Forest Fire Risk Warning, which remains in place until 6pm Monday 13th May.
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.
Current high-pressure dominated weather will induce settled conditions and higher temperatures across Ireland in coming days.
While some areas may receive isolated rain showers during this time, most areas can be expected to see dry weather, light to moderate winds, higher temperatures and strongly elevated fire risks in areas with fire-prone vegetation types.
Where fires do occur, fire behaviour is likely to be moderated by increased live fuels growth, particularly in upland grasses, but may be adversely influenced by light and variable winds.
Members of the public and visitors to forests and other recreational areas should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and should not use barbeques or other outdoor fire sources in amenity areas. Visitors to the countryside should be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.
Advice to the General Public/Forest Visitors
Where fire outbreaks occur at or near 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.
