The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is reminding the public that an Orange Forest Fire Warning arising from the current warm spell, remains in place.
Met Éireann has already issued a Status Yellow High Temperature Warning for the country from this weekend.
The Department’s Fire Danger Notice states: “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.
A high-pressure ridge currently located to the south west of Ireland will move northwards during the lifespan of this notice and influence Southerly airflows with high air temperatures low to moderate humidity and moderate windspeeds as the weekend progresses.
Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites are reminded to adhere to regulations regarding fire use. Forest visitors should not use barbeques or open fires at any stage. Vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads.
Fire risk is expected to peak on Sunday, July 17th. Where fires occur, fire behaviour is likely to be influenced by moderate windspeeds in the 15-25kmh region. Higher windspeeds above the critical 30km/h threshold may be experienced in southern areas. Fire behaviour will be moderated by increased live fuel availability and high live fuel moisture levels in upland areas.”
Advice to the General Public/Forest Visitors
Members of the public and visitors to recreational areas should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.
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 999 or 112 and report the fire and its location.
Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions.
Call 999 or 112 to report a fire
🟠 Condition Orange – high fire risk🟠
We have issued an Orange Forest Fire Warning arising from weather patterns and expected level of risk
🕛Warning in place until midday, Wednesday, July 20
➡️ https://t.co/WRuAMFZZjI pic.twitter.com/0Hcf2IfHt5
— Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (@agriculture_ie) July 17, 2022