Laois Offaly put on alert as red warning for 'extreme' forest fire risk
Fire service, Government and farmers urge caution as dry weather continues
A Status Red Forest Fire Warning has been issued for the June Bank Holiday Weekend.
The warning is effective from midday today until midday on Monday, June 1.
The warning from the Department of Agriculture says that arising from current weather patterns, an "extreme" forest fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses, heather and gorse exist.
It says that overall forest fire risk is likely to be compounded by ignitions risks associated with expected high levels of public activity in fire-prone areas during the Bank Holiday Weekend.
The Department said the high temperatures, combined with low humidity and soil moisture deficit have created dangerous fire conditions and a red fire danger notice has been issued by the Dept. Of Agriculture, Fisheries & the Marine for the bank holiday weekend.
Laois County Fire & Rescue Service asks everyone to be aware of the extremely high fire risk outdoors. Declan Power, is Chief Fire Officer for Laois.
"Controlled burning of vegetation is currently prohibited. Please do not burn or light anything outdoors. Dispose of all smoking materials safely & appropriately. Please stay away from the mountains.
"Over the bank holiday weekend please be careful using disposable BBQs. Only light/use them on solid, non-combustible surfaces, ensuring they are fully out & cold before disposing of them.
"In the event of an emergency please call 112/999 and ask for the fire service,” he said.
IFA Farm Forestry Chairman Vincent Nally is asking for everybody to be vigilant over the Bank Holiday weekend.
He cautioned farmers to be extra vigilant. Some have already suffered financial losses. After such a prolonged spell of dry weather, a wildfire risk can quickly develop in areas where flammable vegetation such as grasses, gorse, and heather are present.
Mr Nally said recreational users who are within 5km of a forest will be out this weekend. Sometimes a fire can be started inadvertently.
“Most fires spread from adjoining land into the forest. It’s important that farmers assess the risk to their forest and make sure that their firebreaks are maintained. A firebreak should consist of a six-metre-wide fuel free zone, typically around the boundary of the forest,” he said.
He encouraged farmers to review their fire plan for their forest, or to prepare a fire plan, especially if your forest is located in a high-risk area.
He said the plan should identify and map the risks and the likely outcomes if there was a fire, assembly points, access and escape routes, reservoirs or water points and firebreaks. The plan should also contain the number for the local fire station, local Garda station, Registered Forester etc.
“Forest fires have caused significant financial losses for farmers in recent years, with years of growth and timber production lost in a single incident. It’s so important that farmers consider the financial consequences of a fire and make sure there they have adequate insurance cover as under the Afforestation scheme farmers are obligated to replant when a forest is damaged by fire,” he said.
He said that if you see a fire, do not delay, report it to the Fire and Emergency Services by calling 999 or 112.
He stressed that you will not be billed by the Fire Service or Local Authority for making the call.