Department of Agriculture issue Status Red forest fire warning

Due to current weather patterns the warning will remain active from today until Monday, June 1

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a Status Red forest fire warning that will remain in place across the June Bank Holiday weekend.

Due to current weather patterns an extreme forest fire risk is deemed to exist in "areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses, heather and gorse exist."

The Status Red warning will remain in place from today until 12pm on Monday, June 1 when it will revert to Status Orange until further notice.

The warning reads: “Fire behaviour will be influenced by light to moderate easterly and south easterly winds that may exceed 20kph in coastal areas. Fire behaviour may be moderated by increased live growth in places.

“Overall, forest fire risk is likely to be compounded by ignitions risks associated with expected high levels of public activity in fire-prone areas during the bank holiday weekend.”

The Department of Agriculture has issued the below advice in relation to the forest fire warning.

• All forms of permitted controlled burning should immediately cease and the outdoor use of fires, barbeques and other open ignition sources should be avoided on forest lands and in other high risk areas until further notice.
• Extreme caution is also advised with respect to hay making, the use of machinery and other agricultural activity that may also present a risk of fire in dry vegetation on in current conditions.
• Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites for exercise are reminded of the requirement to remain within 5km of their homes and to adhere to regulations introduced to limit the spread of Covid-19.
• Report fires immediately. 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. It is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between March 1 and August 31 in any year.
• Report all suspicious or illegal activity to Gardai immediately.