Given the fire risk on bog and mountain land in Spring, it is important that no one should start an illegal fire in these areas. Wildfires can put homes and livelihoods at direct risk, lead to unnecessary diversions of vital emergency service resources and cause considerable disruption to rural communities, wildlife and habitats. We have seen this unfold for real in some of our rural communities in recent weeks during the unusually dry Spring. Nobody should light fires in bogs, forests or other potentially flammable areas at this time of year.”

“The farming community has the most important role to play in the control of fire in our landscapes through the appropriate management of land, vegetation and potential fuels. Reduction and maintenance of high-risk vegetation (such as purple moor grass, heather, and gorse/whin) in high fire risk areas is critical to managing this risk. Some of these key preventative actions in high risk areas are directly supported through the network of schemes and European Innovation Partnership projects funded by the Department, for example through ACRES. We are asking for everyone’s cooperation in the prevention of wildfires and to join in the protection of these lands over the coming months.”

“Wildfire is an easily preventable threat to our hills, bogs, forests and habitats. Everyone must play their part in supporting our emergency services and ensuring they are not needlessly diverted. Both landowners and the wider public, whether they are at work or enjoying the countryside, should be mindful of the significant risks of fire at this time of year and be aware of the damage to land and habitats caused by illegal burning.”

“People living in rural areas should also assess wildfire risks to their properties and prepare accordingly. Dangerous flammable vegetation immediately around homes in high-risk areas should be removed, especially around oil tanks and other fuel stores. There has been a very significant increase in the use of outdoor amenities and forest recreation sites by the public in recent years, which is to be welcomed. However, a larger proportion of forest fires can now be attributed to recreational users and activities. Forest visitors are reminded to behave responsibly, to observe relevant local bye-laws and to park considerately so as not to impede access of emergency vehicles to incidents.”

“There is a very firm link in recent years between wildfire ignitions and illegal dumping and burning of domestic waste in many areas, and malicious burning at forest amenity sites and turf bogs open to the public. A significant proportion of land burned to date during 2025 is land associated with turf cutting. My Department asks all countryside users to be vigilant, to report any suspicious activity to An Garda Siochana, and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999 service,” Minister Healy-Rae continued.

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