Laois Gardai join calls for caution amid wildfire risk

Laois Garda joined calls for public caution due to the high risk of wildfires.  

“Laois Offaly Garda, Bord na Móna and Coillte are urging the public not to use barbeques or open fires during this time as a national High Forest Fire Risk Warning is in place until 6pm May 29th,” Gardai stated.  

“The use of quads and motocross bikes on these and is also something that increases the potential for fire and should be avoided,” Gardai said. 

They urged members of the public to report all fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services.

The Department of Agriculture has issued advice in relation to the fire risk.  

“Arising  from current 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. Westerly high-pressure dominated  weather  will induce settled  weather  and  higher temperatures  across  Ireland  in  coming  days 

While some  areas  may  receive  isolated  rain showers during this time, most areas can be expected to see dry weather, higher temperatures and strongly elevated fire risks in areas with fire-prone vegetation types,” the Department stated.

“Where fires do occur, fire behaviour is likely to be moderated by advanced live fuels growth, particularly in upland grasses, and by settled conditions with light and variable breezes,” the Department stated. 

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“Members of the public and visitors to recreational areas should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.”

Further information is available from the department here: https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/258422/1eae9095-22ad-4843-b2fb-076f1672343b.pdf#page=null