Forest Owners Need to Be Alert After Extreme Forest Fire Warning Issued

IFA National Farm Forestry Chairman, Pat Collins said forest owners need to be on alert after the Department of Agriculture issued a Condition Red extreme forest fire warning, the highest level warning and very rare for Ireland.

“Farmers need to familiarise themselves with their fire prevention plans and be prepared for fire outbreaks on or around their property,” Pat Collins advised.

Under extreme Fire Risk Conditions any ignition may give rise to rapid and unpredictable wildfire development and spread, particularly in dead grasses, and low moisture shrub fuels like gorse and heather.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to exercise extreme caution if they are out in areas of bog land or forestry. A small thing like a discarded cigarette or a barbecue can get out of control very quickly and take on a life of its own”.

If you see a fire, call the Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location.