Coillte has extended its fire risk warning in Laois following a week of dry weather.

The Department of Agriculture has extended the Status Orange, High Forest Fire Risk Warning, which will remain in place nationally until Monday, April 14 at noon.

In both 2018 and 2021, the Slieve Bloom Mountains were subjected to rampant fires.  Over 200 hectares of the mountain range were alight in 2021.

The fire risk warning was issued due to the current weather conditions and the forecast for more dry weather in the coming days. 

Pictured: The 2021 wildfires that blazed across 200 hectares of the Slieve Bloom Mountains

"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," a Coillte representative said.

"Current easterly high-pressure dominated weather and dry weather conditions are forecast to continue over coming days ahead of an expected change in conditions later in the week.

"Elevated fire risks are expected to remain in all areas pending this change. Fire behaviour and spread rates will be strongly influenced by increasingly dry fuel conditions, low humidity levels and light to moderate windspeeds. Windspeeds may exceed 20km/h in some areas at times," they said.

Coillte advises members of the public and visitors to forests and other recreational areas should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and should not use barbeques or other outdoor fire sources in amenity areas.

Visitors to the countryside should be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.

Where fire outbreaks occur at or near forest recreational areas, Coillte advises that the public do not light fires in and around forests or open land.

"Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances," Coillte highlighted.

"Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire.

Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location, and evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions," they said.

“Strongly elevated fire risks are expected in areas with fire-prone upland vegetation types, and fire behaviour and spread rates are likely to be strongly influenced by lower humidity levels associated with easterly winds and elevated windspeeds, which may exceed 20km/h at times,” Coillte warned.  

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