Farmers, rural dwellers and forest owners have been asked by the Department of Agriculture to be extremely vigilant regarding fire activity over the coming days as a result of high temperatures.

The Department has issued a condition-orange fire risk warning, meaning there is a high risk of fire.

At risk

The areas deemed most at risk of being ignited are public amenity areas adjacent to urban centres and on areas of open land at risk from illegal dumping and burning of wastes.

Fire behaviour is likely to be mitigated by recent preceding rain, high live fuel moisture levels, particularly in upland grasses, and by more unsettled weather and light rainfall patterns emerging over the weekend in some areas.

Analysis

Department analysis indicates that the risk will peak on Friday 28 June.

All forest owners and managers are again advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire.

Fire lines, fire plans and fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made ready.

The Department is also advising that other relevant contingencies such as insurance, helicopter contracts and so forth are checked and confirmed.

“The need for increased vigilance at this time cannot be overstated.

"Forest owners, farmers, rural dwellers and other countryside users are asked to be extremely vigilant regarding fire activity, to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the gardaí and to report all fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999,” a Department spokesperson said.

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