IRISH WALKERS ARE being urged not start any forest fires as the weather dries up.
Land owners, rural dwellers and other land users are being asked to maintain a high degree of vigilance regarding fire over the coming months. The warning comes as dry weather becomes more widespread and the numbers of walkers in Ireland’s forest explodes.
In recent years, a number of homes have been damaged due to fires in forests across the country and they pose a risk to emergency services because they are difficult to fight.
A wildfire risk can quickly develop in all areas where flammable vegetation such as grasses, gorse and heather are present, especially in proximity to forests. Burning vegetation on uncultivated land is illegal in Ireland between 1 March and 31 August.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Tom Hayes said that people who live near forests should be vigilant as the weather becomes warmer.
“These events endanger people’s homes, place enormous strain on the resources of the emergency services and put the lives of rural dwellers and emergency service personnel at considerable risk.
“Suspicious activity should be reported to the gardaí and uncontrolled or unattended fires should be reported immediately to the fire and emergency services.”
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