Gardaí have issued a warning about the catastrophic impacts wild fires can have on upland habitats and rural communities, putting homes, property and lives at risk and diverting emergency services from their main tasks.
Following a number of recent forestry, bog and gorse in Co Clare and indeed rights across the country, Crime Prevention Officer for Clare Sergeant Catriona Holohan said: “It is an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (amended by Section 46 of the Wildlife Act, 2000) to burn, from 1st March to 31st August in any year, any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated.
“Everybody has a part to play in protecting our rural landscapes, communities, habitats and forest resources from the threats posed by wildfire,” Sgt Holoha said while offering the following advice.
Please help to reduce the risks of fire by keeping the following in mind:
- Do not light fires in or near woodland. You will be responsible if fire spreads from a campfire or barbeque. Use only designated barbeque points where available. Thoroughly soak BBQ embers after use and make sure that they are extinguished completely.
- Do not block forest entrances or roads when parking – access may be required by the fire service or forestry personnel in the event of an emergency, their job will be made easier if the roads are clear.
- Be prepared – Many hikers, cyclists, etc. will carry mobile telephone, maps and GPS. These can be used to provide very accurate location information if you have to report a fire incident to the emergency services.
- If you see a fire, report it immediately to the emergency services – Dial 999 or 112. Give clear details as regards location and any other useful information such as the size of the fire, wind direction, proximity to dwellings or forestry etc. The fire service or local authority for making the call will not bill you.
- Report any illegal and suspicious activity to the Gardaí. Dangerous or irresponsible burning activity should not be tolerated in our communities. Note that law prohibits the burning of growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August each year.
- Do not approach fires – Wildfires can be extremely dangerous and can rapidly change direction and behaviour. Avoid traversing uphill above fires – in suitable conditions; fire can travel uphill faster than you can run. Smoke can be highly disorienting and damaging to health. Avoid passing through smoke.
- Do not attempt to extinguish fires yourself. Firefighting is dangerous work and should be left to suitably equipped and trained personnel. If you see a fire, call the fire service and retire to a safe distance.
During fire-fighting operations, please do not fly drones in the vicinity of fires or firefighting operations, as doing so could endanger aerial operations, flight crews and individuals on the ground. Drones flying near aircraft are a serious hazard and can hamper firefighting efforts.
Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111
