The sun is out for the long weekend but that doesn’t mean it’s all good news.
The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine has issued a “Condition Orange” forest fire warning. This means that there is currently a high risk of such fires, and that the public should be prepared.
The warning came into effect this morning and will remaining in effect until May 10. Those who must be especially vigilant are those who are living and working in turf-cutting areas. According to the statement, a high fire risk is forecasted in “all areas where hazardous fuels exist.”
Forest owners and managers have been advised to follow safety procedures, such as risk assessment:
“Assess your property with regard to fire risk and mitigation factors. Is there a risk of fire or presence of hazardous fuel vegetation on neighbouring lands? Is there a history of land burning in the vicinity of your forest? Are access routes adequate, accessible and clear of obstructions? Is there a firebreak in place and has it been adequately maintained?”
The statement also reminds the public that “It is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between 1st March and 31st August in any year.”
@agriculture_ie issue Fire Management Notice https://t.co/aWKBqJkcUj@coilltenews @RTECountryWide @teagascforestry pic.twitter.com/wKgKwohBCg
— Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (@agriculture_ie) May 4, 2018
The statement also includes details on how a forest manager can prepare for the coming days:
“Fire Plans should be developed for all forests, including a map showing access routes and assembly points for fire fighting personnel and equipment and potential sources of water. The plan should also include contact details for the emergency services, local private and Coillte foresters, neighbouring landowners and forest owners in order to summon help should the need arise.
Have fire-fighting tools such as beaters and knapsack sprayers to hand and ready to use. If you do not live in reasonable proximity to your woodland, a local caretaker or forest neighbour should be employed and should also have a copy of the fire plan with your and all the above contact numbers.
Clear tracks and roads if available and ensure forest entrances and access routes are not blocked by parked vehicles or other obstacles, especially where visitors or recreational users may be present. Suitable signage to this effect should be displayed on gates or barriers.
Firebreaks should be created (if not already in place) by screefing or removing vegetation mechanically by excavator so that the soil is bare. Fire breaks should be at least 6 metres wide and should be maintained clear of flammable vegetation.”
The statement also includes the warning that “fire patrols may be warranted in known fire hotspots.”
The warning can be read in full here.
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