Kildare people warned about forest fire risks
The department of agriculture has issued an orange high risk forest fire warning
A nationwide Condition Orange – High Fire Risk warning has been issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with the public urged to exercise extreme caution in forests, upland areas and other locations containing dry vegetation. The warning is effective from July 8 to July 13.
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The warning comes as warm, dry weather creates an increased risk of wildfires, particularly in areas with dead grasses, heather and gorse. Authorities say elevated fire conditions are expected to persist throughout the warning period, with changing weather patterns and dry fuels likely to increase the risk of fires spreading.
The warning applies to all areas where dry vegetation, including dead grasses, heather and gorse is present such as the Curragh Plains Kildare. Current weather conditions, combined with forecast high temperatures, low humidity and moderate winds, are expected to create conditions that could allow fires to ignite easily and spread rapidly. Authorities have warned that even isolated outbreaks have the potential to develop into large-scale wildfires, placing forests, farmland, wildlife and nearby communities at risk.
Members of the public are being strongly advised not to light fires, use disposable barbecues or discard smoking materials in or near forests, parks, upland areas or other open countryside. Visitors to recreational areas are also asked to cooperate with local fire safety measures, obey all by-laws and ensure vehicles are parked in a manner that does not obstruct emergency service access. Landowners, farmers and forest managers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána.
Anyone who discovers a wildfire is advised not to attempt to tackle it themselves. Instead, they should move to a safe location and immediately contact the emergency services by calling 112 or 999, providing clear details of the fire’s location.
The Department said cooperation from the public is essential to protect forests, wildlife, rural communities and emergency service personnel during the period of heightened fire danger.
Updated Fire Weather information can be found at:
https://www.met.ie/forecasts/farming/graphs/fire-weather-index
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/01773-fire-management/#fire-danger-notices