DAFM extends high fire risk warning into next week
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has further extended a 'Condition Orange' warning for high fire risk into next week.
The new alert came into effect at midday today (Friday, July 24), and will remain in effect until the same time on Wednesday, July 29.
The department said that arising from current weather patterns a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where flammable vegetation such as dead grasses and heather and gorse exist.
While light rain is being forcast for some areas of west and northwest, along with reduced overall temperatures, soil moisture deficits remain at a very high state.
"There is a continued risk of underground peat fires on bogs where fires occur and an increased availability of larger fuel types across all land types, with increased difficulty of fire suppression.
"This situation is likely to persist in the southeast for some time.
"Windspeeds may exceed critical 30km/h thresholds in eastern and southeastern areas at times which may adversely affect fire behaviour, spread rates and difficulty of suppression," the department said.
Fire
DAFM added that continued high vigilance to fire is warranted in areas with open public access and high fire risk activities.
It noted that vigilance on all peatland types is especially warranted.
"Landowners and managers should remain vigilant to all fire activity and report all suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána.
"Farmers and people working with machinery in flammable crops like hay and cereals should ensure machinery is well maintained and not a fire risk, monitor equipment, bearings, belts regularly and clear dust build ups.
"Machinery should not be eft unattended in high-risk fields," DAFM said.
In addition, all forest owners and managers are advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire.
Fire lines, plans, fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made ready and other relevant contingencies such as insurance and helicopter contracts should be checked and confirmed.
The department also stated that members of the public should not light open fires or barbeques in high-risk areas.
The public is being urged to stay away from areas with active fires and keep local access roads clear to allow emergency vehicles unhindered access.
They are also asked not to operate drones in the vicinity, as they pose a significant risk to helicopter operations.
