Condition RED – Extreme Fire Risk- has been issued by the Department Of Agriculture.

A ‘Type A’ high-pressure system associated with extreme fire risk potential is currently located East of Scotland and is inducing moderate to fresh Easterly airflows over Ireland.

Fine Fuel Moisture Code levels are currently above 85 and wind speeds are likely to exceed the critical 30kmh threshold in most areas over the next 48 hours. This type of pattern has
previously been associated with extreme fire behaviour under Irish conditions.

Projected Initial Spread Index values are also in the very high range in Western areas. This indicates a strong potential for rapid-fire spread and difficulty of suppression in typical upland fuels. Fire behaviour may be moderated by increased live growth in some areas.

Based on recent fire incidents, most ignitions risks appear to be associated with deliberate ignitions on areas where active turf cutting or illegal waste dumping is taking place. Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites are reminded of the requirement to remain within 5km of their homes and to adhere to regulations introduced to limit the spread of Covid-19. Vehicles should not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads.

This risk condition is currently forecast to peak between Tuesday 05/05/2020 and Thursday 07/05/2020.

The issue of Condition Red Extreme fire risk warnings is a comparatively rare event and implies that recipients should take immediate action to protect resources and property.

Forest owners/managers, other land managers, landowners and local authorities should implement fire patrols to exclude all fire activity from the landscape and enforce relevant fire protection legislation.

Rural residents should also implement a high degree of vigilance, and check on elderly or other vulnerable neighbours and assist with preparation and reassurance, and evacuation if this is deemed necessary by the Local Authorities.