FOLLOWING the recent dry spell the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a status orange gorse fire warning.
The notice, which applies to all areas where hazardous fuels such as gorse, heather, dried grasses and other vegetation exist, will remain in effect until midday Monday.
A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said landowners and members of the public were being asked to exercise caution and to take all necessary measures to prevent wildfires.
“Landowners and members of the public are urged to be vigilant and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the fire service by dialling 999 or 112,” said a spokesperson.
“The Council is also urging landowners and members of the public not to engage in activities that could cause wildfires.
“Householders or building owners in areas susceptible to wildfire are advised to remove or cut back any vegetation in the immediate vicinity of their house, building or oil tank to prevent wildfires damaging or destroying their property.”
The local authority also pointed out that under the Wildlife Acts 1976 and 2000 it is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between March 1 and August 31.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)