By Kim O'Leary
As the warm weather continues with much of the country desperately seeking a drop of rain, The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a "Condition RED- Extreme Fire Risk" for Co Kildare and the surrounding areas with a high risk of wildfires and bogland fires for the county.
While it may take some time to rehydrate the vegetation around the country, Kildare Fire Service has compiled a very useful set of tips for the continuing warm weather for homeowners to ensure their safety both inside and outside of the home.
Taking to social media, Kildare Fire Service said: "We've just had an extremely warm spell over the last few weeks. Although there are small bits of rain present, it will take a long time to rehydrate the vegitation around the county. Please have a look over our tips during this warm spell."
- Burning land or vegetation is extremely dangerous...
- Wildfires are generally the result of unforeseen or careless actions
- Although wildfires can occur at any time throughout the year, the greatest risk is during dry spells when ground vegetation dormant and dry
- Periods of high winds during this time introduce additional risks
- It is an offence under the Wildlife Acts to burn from 1st March to 31st August in any year, any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated
"Smoke is an irritant and can make your eyes and throat sore. Provided there is no risk from the fire itself, staying indoors with doors and windows closed can give a good level of protection. Some people may be sensitive to the effects of smoke. Those with existing heart or lung disease (including Asthma),Young children, the elderly or those participating in active sport may experience symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms, reduce your level of activity, take your medications as appropriate and seek medical advice," said Kildare Fire Service.
Kildare homeowners can also take the safety of their property into their own hands during the warm spell by:
- Cutting back shrub or gorse at the boundary of your property to prevent fire from spreading
- If there is a fire hydrant near your property ensure that it is clearly visible and not covered by mud or grass
- In the event of a fire call 999/112 and ask for the Fire Service. Try to give as much detail as possible about the location of the fire and any local access routes that can be used to get to it
- When responding to a fire the Fire Service will prioritise its resources to protect life and then property
- Be a good neighbour check on houses where older people or those with disabilities live, as well as homes whose occupants may be on holiday, and if you cannot check or if you are worried about the proximity of a fire to your neighbour's house call 999/112 and give the control room operator the information
- Bog fires are dangerous, wind direction can change quickly causing the direction of the fire movement to change. Do not enter onto a burning bog to try to fight a fire.
- Smoke can travel onto roads and access routes, take extreme care when driving in smoke, slow down and be prepared to stop. Follow the directions of An Garda Siochana if they have established road blocks or diversionary routes
Meanwhile, yesterday the Weather Assessment Team (SWAT) met to review the current weather conditions and to monitor the impact across council services and the wider community. Met Eireann is forecasting that the warm weather is set to continue this week.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued a "Condition RED- Extreme Fire Risk" notice for Forest Fires and Kildare Fire Service is prepared to respond should it be necessary. The community is again urged that all outdoor use of fires, barbeques and other open ignition sources be avoided in forest lands and in other high risk area until further notice.
All council services are being delivered as normal and the SWAT team will continue to monitor the impact of the continuing hot weather.
Irish Water has cautioned about the volumes of water that are being used in the Dublin Region, of which Kildare is a part.
Advice on how to conserve water is available on the "Be Water Smart" section of the Irish Water website www.water.ie http://dlvr.it/QbKWhR
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