Laois fire crews have battled over 20 fires as warnings remain in place
Laois County Fire & Rescue Service are urging people to remain vigilant during the warm weather
Firefighters in Laois have dealt with more than 20 fires associated with the ongoing hot weather.
The fires include one which could have resulted in widespread destruction at Derryounce in Portarlington. Thanks to the early intervention of the fire services disaster was averted and the fire was put out.
“Since the 1st of July, Laois County Fire & Rescue Service has attended over 20 incidents relating to gorse, grass, bog, forest and hay/stubble fires. An extended dry spell has triggered an orange high fire risk warning for most of the month,” Chief Fire Officer Declan Power stated.
He warned that a Condition Orange wildland fire danger notice is currently in effect nationwide. Sustained dry weather and warm temperatures have left vegetation like grass, gorse, and heather highly flammable, allowing wildfires to start easily and spread rapidly.
“We are appealing to all members of the public, visitors to recreational areas, and landowners to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant,” he stated.
Mr Power said disposable barbecues are a leading cause of accidental wildfires, turning outdoor relaxation into environmental disasters. Because they sit directly on the ground, their metal trays transfer extreme heat straight into the soil. This easily ignites dry grass, peat, and soil beneath them.
“Even after cooking, these foil trays and coals stay hot for hours. Gentle summer breezes can carry loose embers into nearby foliage, starting fires that spread at terrifying speeds. Furthermore, discarding them in plastic bins or leaving them in nature frequently sparks major rubbish and forest fires,” he said.
“Wildfires cause devastating, long-lasting damage. They destroy critical wildlife habitats, kill livestock, and wipe out ecosystems that take decades to recover. For local communities, the risks are severe: fires threaten homes, force mass evacuations, and release toxic smoke that poses immediate respiratory dangers for the vulnerable. They also place an immense strain on emergency services, diverting vital firefighting resources away from residential areas,” said Mr Power.
He appealed for people to help protect landscapes and communities and to please leave the BBQs at home and pack a picnic, and always respect local barbecue bans.
Laois County Fire & Rescue Service issued the following advice to prevent wildfires.
No open fires: Do not light campfires, bonfires, or open fires in forests, bogs, or open countryside.
No barbecues: Do not use disposable barbecues or any outdoor cooking equipment in public spaces, parks, or natural habitats.
Cigarette disposal: Extinguish and dispose of cigarettes safely and responsibly; never throw them from car windows.
Take litter home: Pick up rubbish, especially glass bottles, as reflective objects can magnify sunlight and spark fires.
Park responsibly: Ensure your vehicle does not block entrances to forests, parks, or rural roads. Emergency vehicles must have immediate, unimpeded access to these sites at all times.
Report immediately: Do not assume someone else has reported it. Dial 999 or 112 straight away.
Stay safe: Move to a safe location immediately. Do not attempt to approach or extinguish the fire yourself.
Provide details: Give the emergency operator the exact location, estimated size of the fire, and proximity to buildings or forestry.