Fire Danger Notice: Moderate Fire risk due to Spring weather
Leitrim County Council and other local authorities in the North West are spreading the word that there is a moderate risk of fire given the inherent spring weather pattern.
The fire risk is around dead grasses, gorse and heather in close proximity to forests and other assets. This condition will remain the minimum default status until the end of the main peak fire season in September unless otherwise upgraded by DAFM.
Forest owners and managers are advised to check and update fire plans and other relevant contingencies such as insurance, helicopter contracts etc. All countryside users are asked to be vigilant, to report any suspicious activity to An Garda Siochana and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999 service.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine recommends that forest owners and managers should now consider the fire mitigation measures that they can put in place to help prevent loss or damage to forest resources through fire.
Landowners are asked to assess their property regarding fire risk and prepare fire plans.
Farmers and landowners are reminded is an affence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between 1st day of March and 31st day of August in any year.
If you see a fire, do not delay; report it to the Fire and Emergency Services straight away. Do not wait for somebody else to make the call. Dial 999 or 112. Give clear details as regards location, where at all possible using a national grid reference and any other useful information such as the size of the fire, wind direction, proximity to dwellings or forestry etc. You will not be billed by the fire service or local authority for making the call. Do not attempt to tackle fires alone or without adequate training, assistance, or protective equipment. Report all losses. If your forest is damaged or destroyed, report this loss as soon as possible to the Gardai and the Forest Service.