Readers will recall the serious forest fires that destroyed large areas of upland foliage such as gorse and heather and threatened several houses in the Cooley Mountains this time last year.
The Agriculture and Food Development Authority Teagasc is warning that chigh pressure dominated weather patterns are once again presenting a high fire risk in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.
They are urging all involved in outdoor activity to exercise extreme caution and to heed the high level warning for fires which is in place this week.
John Casey, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, said: “This risk phase is expected to peak tomorrow, Friday, 16th April but the warning remains in place until Monday April 19th.
Based on recent fire activity, ignition risks appear to be mainly focussed on areas with public access, particularly peatland sites. Wildfires not only pose a serious risk to property and the rural environment, they also threaten lives directly in their path and by potentially diverting the resources of our emergency services.”
Teagasc is urging famers, land owners, rural dwellers and those using the countryside to be extremely vigilant in light of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Condition Orange Fire risk alert, and reminds everyone that it is illegal to burn growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1st March and 31st August. Fire Services and forestry teams around the country have already been called on to tackle gorse and scrub fires this month.
The relaxation of some Covid-19 requirements mean that members of the public can now travel within their respective counties. Coupled with a spell of good weather, many people will be outdoors enjoying the Irish countryside, from forest walks to hiking and camping activities.
It is essential that everyone is alert to the danger of fires, in particular adjacent to amenities, private property and forest resources. Teagasc also urges forest owners and forest managers to be vigilant regarding fire over the coming days and to have appropriate measures in place to help prevent loss or damage through fire.
