Cork forest fire warning issued as temperatures rise

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a status orange forest fire warning for Cork and across the country in advance of the forecasted warm weather this weekend.

The department highlighted the dangers to resources and public safety arising from vegetation fires in and around forests and other public recreation sites, especially those close to urban areas.

Visitors to forests, parks, beaches, and other recreation areas are asked not to bring barbecues and other sources of ignition to these areas and to be mindful of parking, ensuring access to these areas for emergency services.

The department said uncontrolled fires can pose significant challenges for firefighters and can also divert emergency responders away from other types of emergencies.

Smoke from uncontrolled fires can also impact human populations downwind of fire incidents.

So far this year, more than 4,355 hectares of land has already been affected by fires, with this warning being the eighth fire danger notice to have been issued in conjunction with Met Éireann in response to high-risk weather phases.

ACT IMMEDIATELY

Forest owners are urged to act immediately to implement fire-prevention plans and to be prepared for the likelihood of fire outbreaks.

Additionally, the farming community is requested to be particularly vigilant with regard to the use of machinery around hay meadows and crop harvesting.

Minister of state at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae, said that people need to be “mindful of fire risk when visiting our forests, parks, and beaches this weekend”.

“Leave the barbecue at home and be considerate when parking at venues,” he said.