A minister has warned the public to be vigilant of the increased risk of wildfires over the coming months.
Andrew Doyle, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry also called for farmers and landowners to behave responsibly and within the law with regard to lighting fires.
Making the announcement, Minister of State Doyle stated: “I wish to remind farmers, forest owners, forest managers and members of the public that an inherent risk of fire exists during spring months on certain types of land.
"Such fires directly endanger people’s homes and property and destroy valuable habitats and tourism resources. Furthermore, they place enormous strain on the emergency services and put the lives of rural dwellers and emergency service personnel at considerable risk".
Minister Doyle noted that following dry weather patterns, a wildfire risk can quickly develop in all areas where flammable vegetation such as grasses, gorse and heather are present.
Suspicious activity should be reported to the Gardaí and uncontrolled or unattended fires should be reported immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services.
He also reminded land owners that under the Wildlife Acts, it is illegal to burn growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1st March and 31st August and that persons engaged in such illegal activity are liable to prosecution and could face fines, imprisonment and penalties to their farm payments.
