The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) have issued an orange fire danger warning, effective until Tuesday, April 14th.
The warning was issued as a result of high-pressure systems coming in from the Atlantic over the coming days.
Fire outbreak
The most vulnerable areas to fires are places with a large amount of vegetation. “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.”
The DAFM stated that fire behaviour is likely to be influenced by light to moderate wind speeds and may be further moderated by intermittent light rainfall in some areas during the lifespan of this warning.
The Department have advised all forest owners to prepare for possible outbreaks of fire. They say fire line, fire plans and fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made accessible in the vent of a fire breaking out. “The need for increased vigilance at this time cannot be overstated.”
Fire mitigation measures have also been advised to help prevent loss or damage to forest resources through the event of a fire outbreak.
Advice to the general public/forest visitors:
The DAFM have asked members of the general public to cooperate with requests regarding fire safety and obey the laws. They are also being urged to be considerate of emergency vehicles when parking.
The Department have issued the following advice:
- 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.
