The National Parks and Wildlife Service has appealed to the public not to light fires or barbecues in public places this summer.
With the weather reaching the 20Cs this week, people are being warned to exercise renewed care and responsibility when outdoors at public beaches, mountains, forests and parks.
Ground crews on fire patrol have been increased in outdoor areas and aerial monitoring with helicopters and drones has also been ramped up.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD advised: “If you notice a fire, please call the emergency services on 112 immediately. NPWS teams are upping their patrols to identify potential fire incidents and act quickly should one break out. However as we know, prevention is better than cure, and we’re asking all members of the public to avoid lighting fires in open areas.”
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD commented further: “Our National Parks and Nature Reserves, coastal sand dunes, mountains and upland areas, forests, meadows and urban parks are all places where we enjoy spending time in nature, but they are also home to our precious wildlife and their vulnerable young. This is a really important time of year for wildlife, especially vulnerable ground-nesting birds and mammals who are now rearing their young. We all want to get out and enjoy the good weather but let’s do it responsibly – without putting nature at risk.”
