High Fire Risk warning issued for Laois

A High Fire Risk warning has been issued by the Department of Agriculture. 

The Condition Orange warning was issued due to the current weather conditions. 

A Department notice stated that: “ An increase in fire risk can be expected through the coming weekend as these conditions persist.” 

“Arising from current high pressure dominated weather patterns a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist,” according to the Department. 

It says “current ignition risks appear to be mainly associated burning of vegetation in upland areas.”

“Fire behaviour and rates of spread are likely to be influenced by lower daytime humidity levels and light to moderate wind speeds during the lifespan of this warning. Wind speeds may exceed 20km/h is some areas at times and higher windspeeds will increase suppression requirements where these occur,’ the warning stated.