Publication
Fire Safety
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
A prolonged spring drought can cause wildfires, which are a threat to rural communities and upland habitats. Most wildfires in Ireland are avoidable.
Many spring wildfires arise from poorly planned controlled burning in the uplands. In extreme drought conditions, unintentional fires can also affect lowland farming activities, and potentially impact on surrounding communities.
Further information on Restrictions on cutting hedgerows and burning is available here.
Outdoor activities are often a great way to spend your leisure time but they have their own risks.
Barbecues
It’s easy to get distracted while cooking. These simple precautions will reduce the risks:
Forest owners and managers should consider what rules they can put in place to prevent loss or damage to forests and habitats through fire.
Report all losses. If your forest is damaged or destroyed, report this loss as soon as possible to the Gardai and the Department of Agriculture.
Further information on fire management and wildfire protection is available here.
During fire-fighting operations, do not fly drones in the vicinity of fires or firefighting operations, as doing so could endanger aerial operations, flight crews and individuals on the ground. Drones flying in the vicinity of aircraft are a serious hazard and can hamper firefighting efforts.