The Department of Agriculture has issued advice to the public.
An orange-level high fire warning has been put in place in Ireland for the weekend and the start of next week.
Issued by the Department of Agriculture, it states that a 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”.
The warning took effect from 3pm on Friday and will remain in place until midday on Monday.
The Department said the alert has been issued due to current weather patterns.
🚨#FireWarning now in place 🔥
🟠 Condition Orange – high fire risk🟠
We have issued an Orange Forest Fire Warning arising from weather patterns and expected level of risk.
🕛Warning in place until midday on Monday, April 25.
➡️https://t.co/FRcjfmPMTl pic.twitter.com/ZzTGZjD9G6
— Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (@agriculture_ie) April 22, 2022
“A low-pressure system centred to the south of Ireland is inducing easterly, cold and low humidity airflows over the country,” its statement reads.
“Fire behaviour and rates of spread are likely to be influenced by brisk wind speeds throughout the weekend
“Northerly and easterly airflows may exhibit humidity levels below 50% RH [relative humidity], with higher wind speeds in places.
“While some rainfall is forecast in coming days, this may not reach into all areas and may not have a significant impact on fuels in all locations.
“Wind speeds may exceed 30km/h in some locations at times and higher wind speeds at this level will increase fire suppression requirements in affected areas.”
Where fire outbreaks occur at or near recreational areas, the Department says the following actions should be taken by visitors in the interests of safety:
- 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 or 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
For more information about the warning, visit the Government’s website here.
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