The Irish Air Corps engaged in wild firefighting as part of an operational training exercise in the Dublin Mountains.

An AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter was used for the operation and the water was dropped from a Bambi bucket.

Red fire warning

The Department of Agriculture has issued a danger red rating for forest fires, which means there is an extreme risk of fire. This warning is arising from current prolonged high-pressure weather patterns, high temperatures and effective drought conditions.

The Department says an extreme fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels exist.

“This meteorological risk is further compounded by high levels of public activity and related ignitions risks associated with the fine weather.”

The advice is to avoid all outdoor use of fires, barbecues and other open ignition sources on forest lands and in other high-risk areas until further notice.

Extreme caution is also advised with respect to hay making and the use of machinery and other agricultural activity that may also present a risk of fire in dry vegetation.

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