Fire Safety

A prolonged spring drought can cause wildfires, which are a threat to rural communities and upland habitats. Most wildfires in Ireland are avoidable.

• be aware of the risk of fire during drought
• fires are typically more likely in spring than summer
• peatlands, turf cutting bogs, upland areas and immature forest lands beside these are at a greater risk
• dried grasses and other crops across a range of farmland types can catch fire during an extreme drought
• farming, grazing and other measures can reduce the fuel needed to burn and control the risk
• danger notices are issued between March and September to allow enough time for landowners to take the appropriate measures

• keep flammable vegetation trimmed
• keep a minimum of 30m of fuel-free space
• keep water access routes clear of obstructions
• assist older or vulnerable neighbours to maintain vegetation at a safe level around their property
• report any suspicious activity to An Garda Siochana
• report uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Emergency Services via 112 or 999

• do not light fires in or near forests, recreational areas or other amenities
• park responsibly, do not block emergency access routes
• obey all signage and instructions

Many spring wildfires arise from poorly planned controlled burning in the uplands. In extreme drought conditions, unintentional fires can also affect lowland farming activities, and potentially impact on surrounding communities.

• landowners found burning illegally could face fines, imprisonment and Single Farm Payment penalties
• landowners wishing to carry out prescribed burning during the legal period must notify all forest owners within one mile, as well as the fire service and local Garda station in advance in writing
• consider smoke impacts on nearby communities
• plan for the likelihood of fire and prepare escape routes and assembly points for workers operating equipment in the event of fire. Keep water tankers to hand while harvesting in a drought

Further information on Restrictions on cutting hedgerows and burning is available here.

Outdoor activities are often a great way to spend your leisure time but they have their own risks.

Barbecues

It’s easy to get distracted while cooking. These simple precautions will reduce the risks:

• never BBQ on a balcony
• make sure your barbecue is in good working order
• ensure the barbecue is on a flat site, well away from the house/apartment, trees or shrubs
• keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area
• never leave the barbecue unattended
• keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
• never barbecue in parks, wildland areas or any site in close proximity to vegetation, trees etc
• ensure the barbecue is cool before attempting to move it

Forest owners and managers should consider what rules they can put in place to prevent loss or damage to forests and habitats through fire.

• assess your property with regard to fire risk and mitigation factors
• fire plans should be developed for all forests
• forest owners should be particularly vigilant following prolonged dry spells. See here for current Forest Fire Risk Condition rating
• forest owners should work with their neighbours when planning for fires and when setting up fire patrols
• if you see a fire, report it immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services straight away via 112 or 999. Do not wait for somebody else to make the call

Report all losses. If your forest is damaged or destroyed, report this loss as soon as possible to the Gardai and the Department of Agriculture.

Further information on fire management and wildfire protection is available here.

During fire-fighting operations, do not fly drones in the vicinity of fires or firefighting operations, as doing so could endanger aerial operations, flight crews and individuals on the ground. Drones flying in the vicinity of aircraft are a serious hazard and can hamper firefighting efforts.