Wildfire Risk

After a long and very wet winter, the risk of fire may seem remote. But we are now entering Ireland’s fire season, all it will take is a few days of good weather with dry easterly winds and the dead leaves of last years Molinia growth will be tinder dry. The risk will remain high until fresh green growth starts to dominate in late May. If a fire gets established in a vulnerable landscape, it could spread rapidly over vast areas with terrible implications for wildlife. Our ground nesting birds, Hen Harriers, Red Curlew, Golden Plover, and Red Grouse are particularly vulnerable.

• Don’t light fires.

• If you see a fire report it to the emergency services immediately, don’t assume someone else will.

MET Eireann has a specific report which details the risk of fire, you can see the reports by accessing the link below.

https://www.met.ie/forecasts/farming/graphs/fire-weather-index