The fire risk is expected to peak significantly on Monday.
The Department of Agriculture has issued a status orange forest fire warning for all of Ireland, which is set to remain in effect until midday on Tuesday 23 April.
As per the department’s official warning statement:
“Arising from Easterly High Pressure conditions and forecast high temperatures, a High Fire Risk exists in all areas where hazardous fuels such as gorse, heather, dried grasses and other dead vegetation exist.
“In some areas, fire risk condition may be moderated temporarily by scattered light rain during the time-frame of this notice.
“The projected meteorological fire risk is likely to be further compounded by additional ignition risks arising from the forthcoming Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.
“Most recent fire incidents appear to have taken place on lands associated with turf cutting, but additional risks may also exist on areas commonly used for public recreation.
“On this basis, the highest degree of vigilance is warranted by forest owners and managers during the long weekend. Fire risk is expected to peak significantly on Monday 22 April.”
This is most likely due to the unseasonably good weather we’ve had over the Easter break, which the latest predictions see keeping the temperatures up as high as 22 degrees on the Monday, before dropping back to regular April temperatures by Wednesday.
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