We all have a part to play in halting the threat of devastating forest fires
A co-ordinated approach among landowners is required to stamp out the continuing menace of deliberately ignited fires
Isaw on Twitter that residents of New Delhi can once again see the Himalayas for the first time in over 30 years because of the dramatically lower emissions in the Indian capital.
Closer to home, densely populated European areas also report much lower air pollution levels. It is a small bit of welcome good news during the Covid-19 restrictions.
I was hoping for another positive knock-on effect: fewer forest fires this year, so it’s very disappointing that forest fires are being reported right across Ireland, from Cork to Leitrim.
The Department of Agriculture’s latest fire danger notice said: “Most ignitions risks appear to be associated with deliberate ignitions on areas where active turf cutting or illegal waste dumping is taking place.”
Before you do anything reckless, think about the devastating consequences that uncontrolled wildfires can have.
People living in the northwest still have vivid memories from nine years ago when fire fronts four kilometres wide spread across large areas.
Devastate
When fires devastate forests, they destroy renewable construction materials, on-farm pension funds, timber exports, economic potential and jobs.
They directly threaten the homes and safety of communities, and rob those communities of vital emergency service response capabilities.
Wildfires consume more than just forests and bog land. They destroy delicate but valuable habitats and their flora and fauna.
They release huge amounts of locked-up carbon. They damage lands, farm infrastructure and grazing capacity.
While controlled burning has long been used as a land management tool, such activity requires expert skill and experience.
A co-ordinated approach among landowners is essential, working to a prearranged plan with sufficient resources during legally permitted times of the year.
We are now well into the prohibited period for the burning of growing vegetation. It is illegal to burn any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated from March 1 to August 31.
This legislation is there for a good reason as hill vegetation, combined with drying winds can become the fuel source for highly destructive wildfires especially during this prolonged very dry period.
The Department issues Forest Fire Danger Ratings during the main wildfire risk season from February through to September, giving useful advance warning of high fire risk weather conditions. This allows measures to be taken in advance of fire outbreaks.
These weather warning systems are colour-coded. Increasing levels of preparation and vigilance are required as the risk levels scale from Green through to Red:
Condition Green: low fire risk
Condition Yellow: moderate hazard alert. Be aware.
Condition Orange: high fire risk. Be prepared.
Condition Red: extreme fire risk. Take immediate action. This is the current risk level, having been at Orange since March until last week.
These warnings can be consulted on www.teagasc.ie/ forestry.
Teagasc Forestry tweets (@ teagascforestry) also provide regular updates during periods of high fire risk.
The fire danger notice adds: “Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites are reminded of the requirement to remain within 5km of their homes and to adhere to regulations introduced to limit the spread of Covid-19. Vehicles should not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads.”
We can all help protect our countryside, our forests and our property.
Awareness of the threat from fire, forward planning, co-operation and effective prevention mechanisms are critical elements to achieve this.
Forest owners should have workable, practical measures in place to minimise the threat to their forests from wildfires during the current high risk season (see panel).
If we plan in advance, prepare well and work together, we can avoid forest fires. Future generations will thank us for it.
People living in the north-west have vivid memories from 2011 when fire fronts 4km wide spread across large areas
Steven Meyen is a Teagasc forestry advisor; steven. meyen@teagasc.ie