Orange forest fire warning issued as Met Éireann reveals when heatwave set to cool

Met Éireann has published a fresh heatwave update.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued the Condition Orange Forest Fire warning in advance of the warm weather that was forecasted for this weekend.

The alert is scheduled to last until Monday, 18 August.

In a statement, the Department said that it "wishes to highlight the dangers to resources and public safety arising from vegetation fires, on and around forests and other public recreation sites, especially those close to urban areas".

"Visitors to forests, parks, beaches and other recreation areas are asked not to bring barbeques and other sources of ignition to these areas and to be mindful of parking and access to these areas by emergency services," the warning reads.

"The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine recommends forest owners act immediately to implement fire prevention plans and be prepared for the likelihood of fire outbreaks on or around their property, especially those with public access.

"High levels of vigilance are required at this point. Landowners and managers should ensure that the use of open fires, barbeques and other potential ignition sources does not take place in forest lands and other public areas during the current warm weather phase."

The Department has issued the following advice to members of the general public at or near forests and other public recreation sites:

• do not cause or light fires in and around forests or open land
• dispose of smoking materials responsibly

If visitors at or near recreational areas do come into contact with fire outbreaks, the following actions should be taken by them in the interests of safety:

• 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 or 999 and report the fire and its location
• evacuate if instructed to do so. Co-operate with all Emergency Service Instructions

For more on the Orange Warning, visit the Government's website here.

Meanwhile, Met Éireann's forecast says Ireland's current heatwave is set to cool slightly from Tuesday.

Over the past week, temperatures during the day have reached between 25 - 27 degrees.

This is set to continue into Sunday, 17 August and Monday, 18 August.

However, Met Éireann's forecast for the following two days reads:

"Tuesday: Perhaps a more unsettled day with overcast conditions and a few showers over the southern half of the country. Again, the showers could be heavy at times. Light breezes generally and highs of 18 to 22 degrees.

"Wednesday: Current models indicate another mix of cloudy periods and sunny spells but it will turn cooler with a few isolated showers too. Highs of 17 to 21 degrees with northeasterly breezes."