Fire warning ahead of bank holiday weekend

Mayo’s Wild Nephin National Park has requested for ‘additional vigilance’ over the May Bank Holiday weekend and called for visitors to public recreational areas not to light open fires or barbecues in high-risk areas. 

The National Park experienced the devastation of a forest fire last month when a section of the boardwalk along the Claggan Coastal Trail in Ballycroy was destroyed by a gorse fire.

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Echoing these calls, Coillte is urging members of the public not to light open fires or barbecues in and around forests or open land, as even a small campfire can cause a wild fire or forest fire.

Ireland’s semi-state forestry company has issued a Status Orange High Forest Fire Risk Warning as the warm weather and dry conditions increase the risk of fire spreading, particularly with low humidity and moderate winds. 

Landowners and managers are asked to remain vigilant to all fire activity and report all suspicious activity to An Garda Siochana.

In the event that you come across a fire Coillte advises that you do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances. You should gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire. It is then advisable to telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location and evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions.