Landowners burning vegetation before deadline could be factor in gorse fires

Landowners rushing to burn vegetation to clean fields before tonight's deadline could be leading to gorse fires in Co Wicklow and elsewhere.

It is illegal to burn any growing vegetation between the 1st March and 31st August each year in accordance with the Wildlife Act 1976.

Dry conditions have led to gorse fires in the Wicklow on the borders with Kildare and Dublin which began last weekend.

Huge blazes could be seen hundreds of metres form homes in the Hollywood area on Monday night.

After March 1, any cut vegetation may still provide a nesting site for birds and before burning, landowners should check any such vegetation to ensure there are no nests present.

Under Section 74 of the Wildlife Act 1976 as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000 fines for breaches of the Act range from €635 to €63,490 and prison terms from 3 months to 2 years or both a fine and a prison term.

Any person engaged in illegal burning may also be held responsible for any injury or damage caused by the fire, and the local Fire and Rescue Service may issue a call out charge for costs associated with illegal fires.

Advice 

Dry vegetation can be easily set alight accidentally during warm temperatures.  

Discarded cigarettes, barbecues or camp fires not fully extinguished also pose a risk.