A ‘High Fire Risk’ warning is in place for the whole country until Wednesday

Extreme vigilance has been advised.

A Condition Orange High Fire Risk weather warning has been put in place by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The warning, which has arisen from preceding drought conditions, remains "in all areas where hazardous fuels exist." A Fire Risk condition is likely to be moderated on a localised basis by scattered light rain, cooler temperatures and higher ambient humidity levels in many areas. Ireland's agricultural areas as well as eco-systems have suffered greatly at the hand of the recent heatwaves which saw less than 5% rainfall than previously expected for the Irish summer months. The effective period for the warning begins this weekend and expires on Wednesday 25 July at midday. However, this may change, as an increase in fire risk values is very likely as the weekend progresses. Highest ignition risks are likely to remain in public areas in close proximity to urban centres. The Department has stressed that vigilance is required in relation to open land at risk from illegal burning of waste and accidental ignition sources arising from agricultural activities. "A protracted, on-going fire risk is likely due to desiccation and curing of fine fuels arising from recent drought conditions. These fuels can regain flammability in a short time following light rain. "Extreme caution is particularly required where cured shrub fuels like gorse are concerned." It was believed that the end of Ireland's heatwave was nigh following the past few days of cooler temperatures, but it seems a warm front is set to develop in the middle of next week with highs of early to mid-twenties forecast as the mercury rises once more.