Alert: Fire Danger Notice for Kilkenny areas dried out by good weather

IFA Farm Forestry Chair Padraig Stapleton has called on landowners across Kilkenny to be vigilant during the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) fire danger notice, which is in place until Monday, April 14.

The Department has issued the Fire Danger Notice, Condition Orange, for all areas where hazardous fuels such as gorse, heather, dried grasses, and other vegetation exist.

Conditions are optimal for wildfires due to a consistent period of dry weather and dead vegetation after the winter.

Over the weekend there has been reports of forest fire outbreaks particularly in the west and northwest.

Padraig Stapleton is urging people to act responsibly in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist.

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“Prevention is the best defence against forest fires. During this fire danger notice, it is advised not to have barbecues in open spaces, including disposable barbecues. Dispose of cigarettes carefully to avoid inadvertently starting a fire and do not throw rubbish away illegally,” Padraig Stapleton outlined.

“If you encounter a fire, move to a safe location immediately. Report fires by calling 112 and follow emergency instructions,” he concluded.