The Department of Agriculture has warned that there is a high risk of fire over the coming days.
In a Condition Orange warning published on Thursday, the department said that there was a heightened risk “in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.”
The warning will remain in place until midday on Monday (20 April).
“Based on recent fire incidents, most ignitions risks appear to be associated with illegal burning of upland vegetation, particularly in areas where active turf cutting is taking place,” the department has said.
Additionally, the warning noted that anyone visiting forests or recreational sites should be mindful of social distancing laws restricting non-essential journeys to within a 2km radius of ones home.
The department has shared advice for the public at large on how to avoid danger from fires.
- Do not light fires in and around forests or open land.
- Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances.
- Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire.
- Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location.
- Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service instructions.
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