Fire warning as prolonged dry spell continues
ALTHOUGH the weather is expected to become more unsettled in the coming days, the general public should exercise extreme caution when it comes to burning.
Acting Chief Fire Officer in Sligo, Marian Coakley, says people who are out walking in forestry and other areas should remain very vigilant.
Last week, a Condition Red Extreme Fire Risk warning was issued, on foot of recent dry weather and a weather system which delivered fresh easterly air flows over Ireland, leading to an increased risk.
The warning was in place last week between Tuesday and Thursday.
Ms Coakley told The Sligo Champion that fire services across the country would continue to monitor the weather conditions, but they are asking people to remain very cautious.
“Weather conditions would have an effect on it, people might not be aware of the dangers of burning, clearing ground, it can go out of control,” Ms Coakley said.
“It’s expected the weather conditions may change. We monitor the weather conditions and the fire warnings are based on that whether we even allow the controlled burns so if there’s some more rain and the ground conditions are somewhat wetter, then it would improve it.
“We would ask people who even may be out walking close to forestry or areas like that, just to be vigilant. Also, illegal dumping and dumping of glass can also lead to fires. It’s not just in bogs, as everywhere is dry now, so we’d ask people to be cautious,” she said.
Last month, Coillte issued a warning after a forest fire in Ballinamore. Coillte has reminded members of the public that the Government COVID-19 restrictions are still in place and that members of the public should stay at home or within five kilometres of their home.
Landowners were also reminded that it is illegal to burn growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1st March and 31st August.