Safety urged as warm weather increases fire risk

Bord na Mona is reminding members of the public who are enjoying the outdoors during this spell of good weather to refrain from lighting fires and to take care when disposing of lit cigarettes or other similar materials.

The good weather has left the countryside exposed to a high risk of fire, according to the semi-state company.

“Fire puts the lives of the people who have to fight them at risk, as well as causing major damage to property, wild life and habitats,” the company said in a statement this week, which also included a reminder that it is illegal to set fires in growing vegetation between March 1 and August 28.

To deal with the increased risk over 60 Bord na Mona employees have volunteered for a fire watch programme, in order to help with the early detection and combatting of countryside fires.

To help, members of the public who witness a fire on any area of bog or peatland are asked to immediately alert the gardai and fire service.