Preventing and fighting forest fires

Ireland is fortunate to escape serious forest fires experienced elsewhere in the world. Our mild moist climate and fragmented forests safeguard us from devastating forest and wildfires but there has been an increasing number of fires in recent years, resulting in the destruction of forests, wildlife habitats and property.

Last year was particularly bad with fires in 30 Coillte forests and a number of private woodlands around the country, especially in the west. Historically, serious fire outbreaks occurred in irregular cycles with a few years’ respite between high incidences of fire but this is no longer the case. For example, the bad fires of 2010 which lasted well into May were followed in 2011 by widespread forest and hill fires. An estimated 3,000ha of forests were destroyed in both years.

Because of rapidly changing weather patterns, it is difficult to predict forest fires in Ireland but the time of highest risk occurs during prolonged dry spells between February and early May. So, forests are vulnerable over the coming months and, unfortunately, the position has been exacerbated in recent years as a result of accidental and, in some instances, deliberate burning.

The advice is not to light fires in or near woodlands. Apart from the obvious danger, it is a criminal offence (Wildlife Act, 1976 (Amendment, 2000)) to burn vegetation – on land not then cultivated – between 1 March and 31 August. Protective burning of vegetation is allowed from 1 September to 28 or 29 February. Those wishing to burn are obliged to provide written advance notice to neighbouring forest owners and the local Garda station not less than 30 days prior to burning. Prescribed burning should only be carried out by trained personnel.

There are a number of steps forest owners can take to safeguard their forest investment beginning with a fire plan. The written element of this should include contact names and phone numbers of fire brigade, gardaí, helpers, local doctor and contractor with water carrier or slurry tank to carry water.

In large, vulnerable forests, the plan should include maps with locations of access and gathering points, public and forests roads, firelines and water points. It is important to discuss the fire plan with forest producer groups and neighbours.

Most forest fires begin outside the forest so forest owners should ensure that fire breaks (a minimum of 6m wide) surrounding plantations and internal firelines, if required, are inspected and maintained in a vegetation-free condition.

The Forest Service no longer provide reconstitution grants after fire damage so all forest crops should be insured against losses by fire. Insurance should cover complete replacement and re-establishment costs.

Forest owners should be particularly vigilant during prolonged dry spells. Wildfire risk warnings are issued by the Forest Service and Met Éireann in four categories: green (low risk when prescribed burning can be carried out); yellow (moderate risk – be aware); orange (high risk); red (extreme high fire risk).

The Irish Farmers Journal will also feature updates during high-risk periods.

Prompt reporting of forest fires to gardaí, forester or plantation owner is essential (dial 999 or 112).

Gerry Murphy, president of the Society of Irish Foresters, encourages forest owners who wish to know more about the prevention and control of forest and hill fires to attend a field day near Millstreet next Friday (23 February). Organised by the Society of Irish Foresters, in association with Coillte and the Forest Service, the event will include:

The meeting point is Millstreet Country Park, 9km southeast of Millstreet (the venue is signposted) The event will begin at 10am.

Andrew Doyle, Minister of State for forestry, has welcomed the appointment of Bart Brady as chair of the new Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC).

Brady is a former assistant secretary general in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Based in the Agriculture Appeals Office in Portlaoise, FAC was established, under the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001 to hear appeals against decisions on forestry licences.

“In addition to Brady as chair, the other members of the committee will be drawn from officers of the existing Agriculture Appeals Office,” said Minister Doyle.

FAC is available as an appeals body to applicants or third parties who are dissatisfied with decisions made by the Department on applications for licences for afforestation, tree felling, forest road works and aerial fertilisation. “The appeals process will be completely independent of the Department,” said Minister Doyle. “The committee will commence work shortly and process existing appeals in the coming weeks.”

Further to last week’s article on the proposed Irish Forestry Development Agency (FDA), Marina Conway, CEO, Western Forestry Co-op, and Paddy Bruton, CEO Forestry Services, have commented on the benefits of an independent agency.

“A properly resourced FDA is required because, first, it would lead the sector to achieve a viable and vibrant forest industry and, second, it would position forestry as a key player in sustaining and creating jobs in rural Ireland where the forest owners – mainly farmers – timber processing mills, wood energy outlets and downstream industries are based,” said Martina Conway.

“Commissioner Hogan’s comments on the future shape of CAP in relation to greenhouse gas reduction can only lead to the conclusion that there will be increased integration of forestry into mainstream agriculture,” said Paddy Bruton.

“An FDA structure is needed to maximise the benefits for both agriculture and forestry.”