The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued a condition yellow moderate fire risk warning.

Condition Yellow is the default warning status during the peak wildfire risk period.

The department said that forest managers and owners, farmers and people involved with upland management should be aware of the inherent fire risk in the coming months.

Wildfires

DAFM said that a moderate fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fine fuels such as dead grasses, gorse and heather are present in 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 it is upgraded by the department.

Under the Wildlife Act, it is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between March 1 and August 31 in any year.

All countryside users are asked to be vigilant, to report any suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána.

Any uncontrolled or unattended fires should be immediately reported to the fire and emergency services by calling 112 or 999.

DAFM

Forest owners and managers are advised to check and update fire plans and other relevant contingencies such as mitigation measures, insurance and helicopter contracts.

The department said firebreaks should be at least 6 metres wide and should be kept clear of flammable vegetation throughout the lifecycle of the plantation.

Updated fire plans should be developed for all forests, including a map showing access routes, potential control lines, assembly points for firefighting personnel and equipment and potential sources of water for firefighting.

The plan should also include contact details for the emergency services, local private and Coillte foresters, neighbouring landowners, and forest owners to call for help if needed.

Fire-fighting personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools such as beaters and knapsack sprayers should be tested andready to use.

The department said in the event that a forest is damaged or destroyed by wildfire, any loss should be reported as soon as possible to the gardaí and the forest service.