Highest warning over forest and gorse fires

Teagasc is urging farmers to exercise extreme caution and heed the current, top-level warning for fires.
The current high temperatures and drought conditions present an extreme fire risk. Wildfires not only pose a serious risk to property and the rural environment, they also threaten lives directly and by potentially diverting the resources of our emergency services.
Fire services and forestry teams around the country have already been stretched in tackling gorse and scrub fires that have seriously damaged forest properties. This is a stark reminder of the dangers that uncontrolled fires pose. It is illegal to burn growing vegetation on uncultivated land between March 1 and August 31.
It is important to have appropriate fire-fighting measures in place to help prevent loss or damage through fire. These measures include having:
•    A risk assessment completed 
•    Adequate insurance against fire risk 
•    A current and accurate fire plan in place 
•    Access routes clear 
•    Fire breaks maintained along boundaries 
•    Fire suppression resources at the ready 
•    Co-operation with neighbours and fire patrols planned where required 

Nuala Ni Fhlatharta, Head of the Forestry Development Department said: “We ask famers, forest owners and forest managers to be extremely vigilant in light of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s highest fire risk alert: Condition Red.”
Forest owners, farmers, members of the public and anyone working in or enjoying our countryside are asked to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the Gardaí and to report all fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999.
The DAFM Forest Fire Danger Rating can be consulted on the forestry section of the Teagasc website. This index provides information on the fire risk and provides a forecast index for the coming days. The website also provides useful guidance on forest insurance and provides advice on the simple, cost-effective measures that forest owners can take to minimise the risk of damage by fires.