The warning has been updated as temperatures continue to soar.
A Condition Red danger warning for forest fires has been issued for the second time in a week by the Department of Agriculture in advance of further high temperatures this week.
The original warning, issued last Tuesday, replaced an Orange High fire risk warning that had been in effect since the previous Thursday.
Temperatures are due to range between 20 – 28 degrees during the week and conditions are forecast to remain warm and heavy throughout.
“Arising from current prolonged high pressure weather patterns, high temperatures and effective drought conditions, an extreme fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels exist,” the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s statement read.
“This risk is further compounded by higher ignitions risks associated with increased human activity on high fire risk land types associated with current weather.”
Dublin Fire Brigade also took to Twitter to issue Monday’s warning, which confirms its extension and provides a list of banned activities.
Barbeques, open fires and any other forms of open ignition have been banned, as well as driving near areas thick with smoke or those compromised by fire.
The 'Condition Red' fire warning has been extended by @agriculture_ie until Friday, remember:
🔥 No open fires or BBQs
🚒 Call 999 if you see a fire
👩🏻🚒 Don’t attempt to fight the fire
🚘 Don’t drive near the fires or through the smoke pic.twitter.com/12FeMSWHpw— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) July 2, 2018
The warning kicks into affect from 9am on Monday until 12pm on Friday.
Condition Red is the highest level warning and is rare in Ireland. Under extreme fire risk conditions, even a spark of ignition may give rise to rapid wildfire, particularly in dead grass and low moisture shrub fuels like gorse and heather.
Extreme caution is advised with respect to hay making and the use of machinery and other agricultural activity that may also present a risk of fire in dry vegetation in current conditions.
The department also advises against illegal dumping and other illegal activities on public lands, mentioning that increased vigilance by land managers and landowners is advised.
Pending a significant change in meteorological conditions, this risk condition will remain in place until Friday, when it will be reviewed by the department and reviewed again.
Last week, Dublin Fire Brigade also issued a separate fire warning, alerting the public to unexpected household items that can accidentally lead to fires.
They warned that mirrors, crystals and glasses left on windowsills can cause fires. Cans of deodorant and hairspray can also explode under the pressure of heat.
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