A warning about a high risk of forest fires is in place for Ireland until midday Monday.
The Department of Agriculture issued an orange alert yesterday, based on “weather patterns and expected level of risk.”
A statement from the Department said: “Arising from current high pressure dominated weather patterns 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.
“An increase in fire risk can be expected through the coming weekend as these conditions persist.
“Current ignition risks appear to be mainly associated burning of vegetation in upland areas.
“Fire behaviour and rates of spread are likely to be influenced by lower daytime humidity levels and light to moderate wind speeds during the lifespan of this warning.”
The Department advised forest owners and managers to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire.
The public has been advised not to cause or light fires in and around forests or open land.
Other advice includes:
- Dispose of smoking materials responsibly
- Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires
- Gather everybody and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of fire
- Call 999 or 112 to report a fire.
🚨#FireWarning 🔥
🟠 Condition Orange – high fire risk🟠
We have issued an Orange Forest Fire Warning arising from weather patterns and expected level of risk.
🕛Warning in place until midday on Monday, March 28.
➡️ https://t.co/U4lOp35UqN pic.twitter.com/5wLuNUyyGh
— Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (@agriculture_ie) March 25, 2022
