PEOPLE going to the beach over this bank holiday weekend are being urged not to light fires or barbecues.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and gardaí have warned they are ramping up safety patrols on beaches, coastal areas and on roads this bank holiday weekend.
One woman contacted the Donegal News after a “scary experience” at Shroove beach on Sunday. She said a fire spread “very quickly” after a disposable barbecue was thrown on the grass causing many beachgoers to run for safety.
“I saw a lady with a disposable barbecue that seemed to burst into flames. She panicked and threw it on the grass. The fire spread very quickly. After a short time the fire was spreading towards the car park. There was a dash by everyone, including myself, to get our cars to a safe place. The fire brigade was on its way. Scary how quick the fire spread.”
Two fire brigades took over an hour to bring the fire under control.
NPWS has appealed to the public not to light fires or barbecues in public places this summer.
Ground crews on fire patrol have been ramped up in outdoor areas and aerial monitoring with helicopters and drones has also been increased.
With hot temperatures of 20 degrees expected to continue over the bank holiday weekend, people are being warned to exercise renewed care and responsibility when outdoors at public beaches, mountains, forests and parks. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD advised has called on anyone who notices a fire to contact the emergency services on 112 immediately.
Meanwhile, gardaí are urging people to be water safety wise while visiting beaches during the hot spell.
Their advice is to never swim alone, always swim parallel to the shore and never use inflatables. Swimmers are also urged to always swim in front of the lifeguard station, to check tide times and to speak to locals if you are not familiar with a particular bathing spot before entering the water.
The ESB has also reminded the public of the dangers and potentially serious consequences of swimming in any ESB reservoir. They said these areas, including Lough Dunlewey in Donegal, are not appropriate for swimming because of the risk of deep and fast-flowing waters, changing water levels and uneven ground.
If you see someone in trouble in or near the water, dial 112 or 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Gardaí will be conducting high visibility checkpoints and speed checks over the weekend, and are calling on motorists to use the roads responsibly.
“Drivers are urged to slow down, wear their seatbelt and not to drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Do not use your mobile phone while driving,” a garda spokesperson said.
Drivers are reminded to be aware of cyclists and pedestrians and drive at a safe speed.
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