Mayo people urged to take extra care as Red Warning issued for forest fire danger

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a Condition Red Forest Fire warning, in advance of the hot weather forecast for the weekend. 

Condition Red is the highest level of Fire Danger warning and its use is rare in Ireland. The Department wishes to highlight the dangers to resources and public safety arising from vegetation fires, on and around forests and other public recreation sites, especially those close to urban areas. Visitors to Mayo's forests, parks, beaches and other recreation areas are asked not to bring barbecues and other sources of ignition to these areas and to be mindful of parking and access to these areas by emergency services.

The Department stated: "Under extreme fire risk conditions, any ignition source in dead grasses and low moisture shrub fuels like gorse and heather may give rise to rapid and unpredictable wildfire development and spread. Upland fires in these weather conditions can be expected to pose extreme difficulties to firefighting efforts.

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"Fires at this time of year can also have a devastating impact on wildlife and habitats, especially fledgling birds and young mammals living in affected areas. Smoke from uncontrolled fires can also impact human populations downwind of fire incidents. So far during 2025, over 4300ha of land, including more than 300ha of forest, has already been affected by fires and the Department has already issued seven Fire Danger Notices to-date this year in response to high-risk weather phases.

"Similarly, the farming community are requested to be particularly vigilant with regard to the use of machinery around hay meadows, and to refrain from the use of fire on farmland."

The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Healy-Rae TD, said: “The current weather gives people a great opportunity to enjoy our forests, National Parks, beaches and beauty spots at their best. Everyone has a duty to protect these areas and our rural livelihoods from the risk of fire. We want people to enjoy themselves responsibly, but to leave the barbecues and campfires at home this weekend. Be mindful of how you park and report fires immediately to emergency services via 112.”