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HomeFarming NewsStatus orange fire risk warning issued for the coming days
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Status orange fire risk warning issued for the coming days

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued a condition orange fire warning for the coming days, effective until 12 noon on Monday (April 20th).

The warning was issued as a result of high-pressure systems coming in from the Atlantic.

Fire risk

This fire risk will particularly affect all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.

The DAFM stated that, based on recent fire incidents, most ignitions risks appear to be associated with illegal burning of upland vegetation, particularly in areas where active turf cutting is taking place.

“Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites are reminded of the requirement to remain within 2km of their homes and to adhere to Regulations introduced to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

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The Department has asked all forest owners and managers to prepare for a possible fire outbreak on their property. Fire mitigation plans should be put in place and all necessary measures taken.

Advice to the general pblic/forestvisitors

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.

Where fire outbreaks occur at or near recreational areas, the DAFM recommend the following actions to be taken by visitors, in the interests of safety:

  • Do not light fires in and around forests or open land;
  • Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances;
  • 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;
  • Evacuate if instructed to do so and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions.
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