The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued a 'Condition Orange' warning, indicating a high fire risk.

The warning came into effect at midday today (Wednesday, July 8) and will remain in place until 12:00p.m on Monday (July 13).

Met Éireann has advised that a "prolonged spell of very warm to hot weather" is set to hit the country this week and last into next week.

The department said that due to current weather patterns and high temperatures 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.

"Current dry conditions are forecast to largely remain in place throughout the span of this notice with high temperature phases forecast within this period.

"Elevated fire risks are expected in all areas during this period but will be especially focussed on southern and eastern regions," DAFM added.

Fire

The warning states that increased vigilance is advised in areas with open public access and high fire risk activities.

The department said landowners and managers should remain vigilant to all fire activity and report all suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána.

It added that visitors to public recreational areas should cooperate with all fire safety requirements and not light open fires or barbeques in high-risk areas.

"Rural users should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant byelaws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles," the department said.

DAFM

All forest owners and managers are being advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire.

DAFM said fire lines, fire plans, fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made ready, along with other relevant contingencies such as insurance and helicopter contracts.

The department noted that 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.

Landowners found burning illegally could face fines, imprisonment and Single Farm Payment penalties, where applicable.