Red warning issued for forest fire danger
- Published on: 11 July 2025
- Last updated on: 11 July 2025
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a Condition Red Forest Fire warning, in advance of hot weather forecast for the weekend. Condition Red is the highest level of Fire Danger warning and its use is rare in Ireland. The department wishes to highlight the dangers to resources and public safety arising from vegetation fires, on and around forests and other public recreation sites, especially those close to urban areas. Visitors to forests, parks, beaches and other recreations areas are asked not to bring barbecues and other sources of ignition to these areas and to be mindful of parking and access to these areas by emergency services.
Under extreme fire risk conditions, any ignition source in dead grasses and low moisture shrub fuels like gorse and heather may give rise to rapid and unpredictable wildfire development and spread. Upland fires in these weather conditions can be expected to pose extreme difficulties to firefighting efforts.
Fires at this time of year can also have a devastating impact on wildlife and habitats, especially fledgling birds and young mammals living in affected areas. Smoke from uncontrolled fires can also impact on human populations downwind of fire incidents. So far during 2025, over 4300ha of land, including more than 300ha of forest, has already been affected by fires and the department has already issued seven Fire Danger Notices to-date this year in response to high-risk weather phases.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine recommends forest owners act immediately to implement fire prevention plans, and be prepared for the likelihood of fire outbreaks on or around their property. The highest levels of vigilance and cooperation with neighbouring landowners are required at this point. Landowners and managers should ensure that the use of open fires, barbecues and other potential ignition sources does not take place in forest lands and other public areas during the current heatwave period.
Similarly, the farming community are requested to be particularly vigilant with regard to the use of machinery around hay meadows, and to refrain from the use of fire on farmland.
The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae, said:
“The current weather gives people a great opportunity to enjoy our forests, National Parks, beaches and beauty spots at their best. Everyone has a duty to protect these areas and our rural livelihoods from the risk of fire. We want people to enjoy themselves responsibly, but to leave the barbecues and campfires at home this weekend. Be mindful of how you park and report fires immediately to emergency services via 112.”
The department advises that where the general public come into contact with fire outbreaks at or near recreational areas the following actions should be taken by visitors in the interests of safety:
- do not cause or light fires in and around forests or open land
- dispose of smoking materials responsibly
- 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. Co-operate with all Emergency Service Instructions
Further information on Fire management and wildfire protection is available at: