A status red extreme forest fire risk warning has been issued this weekend as the weather heats up.
The public has been urged to be extra cautious and report any suspected fires immediately to the emergency services. If you see a fire, do not delay; report it to the Fire and Emergency Services straight away. Do not wait for somebody else to make the call. Dial 999 or 112.
Weather conditions across Ireland indicate that there is a high potential of fire spreading if one breaks out and it will be difficult for emergency services to suppress.
There is a high risk of fires in areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.
Coillte has reminded members of the public that the Government Covid 19 related restrictions are still in place and that members of the public should stay at home or within 5km of their home. Forest car parks and forests are open but only to those within 5km to take brief physical exercise. Those who do visit forest parks are advised that vehicles should not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine advise at this point that all forms of permitted controlled burning immediately cease, and that the outdoor use of fires, barbeques and other open ignition sources be avoided on forest lands and in other high risk areas until further notice.
The issue of Condition Red extreme fire risk warnings is a comparatively rare event and implies that recipients should take immediate action to protect resources and property.
Pending significant rainfall, this risk condition will remain in place until 1200hrs on Monday, June 1st, 2020 unless otherwise stated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
