HEATWAVE: Dept of Agriculture warning 'of extreme fire risk in all areas'

FRIDAY 12pm

The Department of Agriculture has put a Fire Management Notice Warning in place until Monday. "Arising from current prolonged high pressure weather patterns, very high temperatures and effective drought conditions, an extreme fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels exist. This meteorological risk is further compounded by high levels of ignitions activity and observed fire behaviour associated with current weather conditions."

DAFM advise at this point that all outdoor use of fires, barbeques and other open ignition sources be avoided on forest lands and in other high risk areas until further
notice. Extreme caution is also advised with respect to hay making and the use of machinery and other agricultural activity that may also present a risk of fire in dry
vegetation on cultivated land types in current conditions.
Pending a significant change in meteorological conditions this risk condition will remain in place until 1200hrs on Monday, July 2nd, 2018, and will be reviewed again at
that point

 

FRIDAY 09.00: 

Illegally dumped waste could be triggering gorse fires across the County Meath Fire Service has warned.

Crews batling blazes in Trim and Navan erlier today spotted bags with glass in them that can reflect and magnify the sun rays and start the wildfires that have affected acres of Meath farmland.

"Please dispose of all litter responsibly especially glass bottles. These discarded bottles were found by @MCCFireService crews today whilst fighting bog and gorse fires. Discarded glass bottles reflecting sun rays can start fires, especially in hot and dry conditions."

Illegal dumping has become a major issue across Meath's bogs and isolated country lanes with unauthorised collectors dumping tonnes of refuse in some of the County's most scenic locations.
 

19.00
Footage taken from the air shows the extensive gorse and bog fire damage at Kildalkey today.. Meath Fire Service and crews from Navan, Kells and Trim in attendance. Coillte provided their aerial support. Several acres of farmland look to have been destroyed by the blazes.

With the current high ground temperatures, low humidity and zero rainfall Meath Fire Service is warning the public to be especially careful around wood/timber/grass areas. One fire crew recorded a ground temperature of 50 degrees in the Trim area today.

If you have any images or footage of fires (taken from a safe distance) you can send on to news@meathchronicle.ie

 

18.00

Meath Fire Service has dealt with fires in Blackcastle Demesne. Plumes of smoke could be seen rising from wooded areas at the side of the river earlier this afternnoon.

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12pm

The Meath Fire Service is dealing with two separate gorse and woodland fires which have broken out in the heatwave. Fires have broken out in scrub and woods in Boardsmill and Kildalkey.
The fire service attended a gorse fire in Brannockstown, Boardsmill, last night, and had to return to the scene today when it re-ignited.
In Kildalkey, an area known as 'The Wood' is currently attended to by the fire service, with three units and two water tankers there. Coillte has organised a helicopter which is on its way to attend to the fire in Brannockstown.

Fraine Road in Athboy ws closed due to a gorse fire. PHOTO: David Gilroy

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The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued a Condition Red Forest Fire Danger Rating Notice in advance of further heatwave forecasts for the remainder of the week. Condition Red is the highest level and is rare in Ireland. The Department has also highlighted the current extreme danger to resources and public safety arising from vegetation fires, especially gorse, and particularly in proximity to heavily populated areas and on urban interfaces.
The Condition Red Notice replaces an Orange High Fire Risk Notice that had been in effect since last Thursday. Under extreme Fire Risk Conditions any ignition may give rise to rapid and unpredictable wildfire development and spread, particularly in dead grasses, and low moisture shrub fuels like gorse and heather. Upland fires can be expected to cover extensive areas and pose extreme difficulties to suppression efforts and may potentially give rise to Major Emergency scenarios.

Fires at this time of year can also have a devastating impact on wildlife and habitats, especially fledgling birds and young mammals living in affected areas.  
The Department of Agriculture recommends forest owners act immediately to implement fire prevention plans, and be prepared for the likelihood of fire outbreaks on or around their property. The highest levels of vigilance and cooperation with neighbouring landowners are required at this point.  Landowners and managers should ensure that the use of open fires, barbeques and other potential ignition sources does not take place in forest lands and other public areas during the current heatwave period.
Similarly, the farming community are requested to be particularly vigilant with regard to the use of machinery around hay meadows, and to refrain from the use of fire on cultivated farmland.
Where the general public come into contact with fire outbreaks at or near recreational areas the following actions should be taken by visitors in the interests of safety:
1. Do not cause or light fires in and around forests or open land. 
2. Dispose of smoking materials responsibly. 
3. Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances. 
4. Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire. 
5. Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location. 
6. Evacuate if instructed to do so. Co-operate with all Emergency Service Instructions.