Public must be alert to wildfire dangers
FOREST owners and managers, farmers and the general public are being warned to remain alert to the risks of wildfires over the coming months and to behave in a responsible manner when it comes to lighting fires in the countryside.
Andrew Doyle, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Forestry, has stressed that there is a real chance of fires spreading on certain types of land during the spring months, especially in upland areas.
In the past, major wildfires have caused plenty of damage in Wicklow and Minister Doyle is keen that all precautions are taken so as to prevent the destruction of land and property.
‘Such fires directly endanger people’s homes and property and destroy valuable habitats and tourism resources,’ said Minister Doyle. ‘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 said that following dry weather patterns, a wildfire risk can quickly develop in all areas where flammable vegetation, such as grasses, gorse and heather, is present.
‘ The message is essentially the same each year – I ask land owners, rural dwellers and other land users to maintain a high degree of vigilance regarding fire over the coming months.’
Suspicious activity should be reported to the gardaí and uncontrolled or unattended fires should be reported immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services.
Minister Doyle also reminded land owners that under the Wildlife Acts, it is illegal to burn growing vegetation on uncultivated land between March 1 and August 31. Anyone engaged in such illegal activity is liable to prosecution and could face fines, imprisonment and penalties to their farm payments.