Department of Agriculture issues status orange fire warning

No barbecues in open spaces.

As summer conditions take shape, we're all looking forward to some tropical heat, but there are also certain precautions we all have to take. The Marie Keating Foundation warned earlier this week that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ireland, and on Friday the Department of Agriculture issued a status orange fire warning. The areas of highest risk are public amenities near cities, and areas where waste is illegally dumped and burned. "Arising from forecast high temperatures associated with high pressure weather patterns and recent southerly hot air flows, a high fire risk is deemed to exist in areas where hazardous fuels exist," the warning reads. "Meteorological risk is further compounded by moderate easterly wind speeds in excess of 20km/h in some areas." The warning will remain in place until Monday 1 July. The alert further warns: "Highest ignition risk is deemed to exist in public amenity areas adjacent to urban centres and on areas of open land at risk from illegal dumping and burning of wastes. "Fire behaviour is likely to be mitigated by recent preceding rain, high live fuel moisture levels, particularly in upland grasses, and by more unsettled weather and light rainfall patterns emerging over the weekend in some areas." Dublin Fire Brigade has similarly warned that there should be no barbecues or fires lit near open spaces until the risk has passed. The Department of Agriculture has issued the following advice to the general public: Where fire outbreaks occur at or near recreational areas the following actions should be taken by visitors in the interests of safety. 1. Do not light fires in and around forests or open land. 2. Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances. 3. Gather all family/group members and move to a safe, fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire. 4. Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location. 5. Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service instructions. The warning can be read in full here.