Forest Owners Reminded To be Vigilant About Fire Danger

IFA Farm Forestry Chair Padraig Stapleton has called on landowners to be vigilant during the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) fire danger notice, which remains in place until this Friday.

Conditions are optimal for wildfires due to a consistent period of dry weather and dead vegetation with drought in many regions.

In recent days, there have been reports of forest fire outbreaks nationally, particularly in Tipperary and Kerry. Over 25 hectares of Killarney National Park have been damaged since the start of a fire outbreak that has threatened to spread out of control.

Due to the ongoing dry conditions, Padraig Stapleton is urging people to act responsibly in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.

“Prevention is the best defence against forest fires. During this fire danger notice, it is advised not to have barbecues in open spaces, including disposable barbecues. Dispose of cigarettes carefully to avoid inadvertently starting a fire and do not throw rubbish away illegally,” Padraig Stapleton outlined.

“If you encounter a fire, move to a safe location immediately. Report fires by calling 112 and follow emergency instructions,” he concluded.