Fire Management

Wildfires can have catastrophic impacts on upland habitats and rural communities, putting homes, property and lives at risk and diverting emergency services from their main tasks. In recent years, fires have also caused considerable damage to forests, private and State-owned. In addition to the losses faced by the forest owner, there is an economic impact for our forestry sector, which is an important indigenous industry and a significant rural employer.

Everybody has a part to play in protecting our unique rural landscapes, communities, habitats and forest resources from the threats posed by wildfire. If you are out and about enjoying our countryside and forests this summer, please help to reduce the risks of fire by keeping the following in mind:

• Do not light fires in or near woodland. You will be responsible if fire spreads from a campfire or barbeque. Use only designated barbeque points where available. Thoroughly soak BBQ embers after use and make sure that they are extinguished completely.

• Do not block forest entrances or roads when parking - access may be required by the fire service or forestry personnel in the event of an emergency, their job will be made easier if the roads are clear.

• Be prepared – Many hikers, cyclists, etc will carry mobile telephone, maps and GPS. These can be used to provide very accurate location information if you have to report a fire incident to the emergency services.

• If you see a fire, report it immediately to the emergency services - Dial 999 or 112. Give clear details as regards location and any other useful information such as the size of the fire, wind direction, proximity to dwellings or forestry etc. You will not be billed by the fire service or local authority for making the call.

• Report any illegal and suspicious activity to the Gardai. Dangerous or irresponsible burning activity should not be tolerated in our communities. Note that the burning of growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August each year is prohibited by law.

• Do not approach fires - Wildfires can be extremely dangerous and can rapidly change direction and behaviour. Avoid traversing uphill above fires – in suitable conditions, fire can travel uphill faster than you can run. Smoke can be highly disorienting and damaging to health. Avoid passing through smoke.

• Do not attempt to extinguish fires yourself. Fire fighting is dangerous work and should be left to suitably equipped and trained personnel. If you see a fire, call the fire service and retire to a safe distance.

Be Prepared. Be Vigilant. Stamp Out Forest Fires.

Burning land or vegetation is extremely dangerous. Wildfires are generally the result of either unforeseen or careless actions.

Vulnerable season

Gorse will burn readily in all seasons and although fires occur throughout the year, the risk is greatest during dry spells from March to June when ground vegetation is dormant and dry. The risk increases with decreasing humidity and increasing wind speed. Most people significantly underestimate the intense flammability of vegetation and the speed at which a relatively small fire can become out of control. Fire risk substantially increases with the presence of people who are untrained, ill prepared, uninformed, or inexperienced in managing a controlled fire.

It is an offence under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (amended by Section 46 of the Wildlife Act, 2000) to burn, from 1st March to 31st August in any year, any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated.

Controlled burning of land or vegetation requires expert skill and should only be attempted by experienced persons and in accordance with a meticulously prepared fireplan. However, before you even consider setting a controlled fire you must answer yesto all of the following questions.

• Is a fire absolutely necessary?
• If I start a fire can I stop it?
• Am I within the legally permitted period for controlled burning?
• Am I within 1 mile of a woodland or a forest?
• Is my fire plan thoroughly prepared?
• Am I certain that my property and my neighbour’s property will be safe?
• Have I notified my neighbours and the owners of nearby forestry plantations or woodlands?
• Have I notified the Garda Siochana, the Local Authority and the Fire Service Regional Control Centre?
• Have I sufficient help and equipment on standby to control the planned fire?
• Am I sure that I have adequate means of communication with others should an emergency arise?
• Have I considered the financial and insurance consequences of an uncontrolled fire including the loss of my Single Farm Payment?
• If I light an uncontrolled fire, have I considered the penalties under the Department’s Direct Payment Schemes, the possibility of facing prosecution (fines of up to €50,000, up to 2 years in prison) or both?
• If you answer no to any of the above or have even the slightest doubt about any of these answers the advice is simple - do not burn.

If you intend to set a controlled fire you must, in advance, thoroughly prepare a fireplan that will ensure that the fire can be controlled properly and extinguished quickly and safely. A thorough fire plan must include consultation with neighbouring landowners and with other interested parties and agencies such as your local Gardai, your Local Authority and the Regional Fire Service Control Centre for your county.

You should never set a controlled fire on your own. Even the smallest of fires will require a minimum of three responsible adults to be in attendance, all of whom are experienced with controlled burning and familiar with the fireplan.

• Find out the location of the fire;
• Assume that the fire will become more dangerous if it is not extinguished at a very early stage.
• Ascertain its direction and speed of spread and, if possible, the risk to any people or property in its path.
• Decide on the need to summon help and the Fire Brigade.
• Speed of response is vital so do not assume that someone else will make that call. If in doubt call out the Fire Brigade and summon help. Don’t wait for someone else to do it!
• The speed of your response could be the determining factor in saving someone’s life.

Calling the Fire Brigade

• If you are calling out the Fire Brigade, be prepared to give the most accurate information available to you about the location of the fire, including the townland and the best access point from the public road.
• Arrange to meet the tender at an assembly point.
• All requests for assistance are directed via the 999 or 112 emergency numbers, to the Regional Control Centre (RCC). The RCC uses a predetermined response system to alert the nearest brigade to any incident.
• When you are making an emergency call and dialing 999 or 112 the operator will ask what service you require? Fire, Ambulance or Gardai.
• If you require the Fire Service, you will be connected to another operator who will identify himself or herself by saying ‘Regional Fire Control.’
• Speak calmly and clearly giving the address of the fire and your ‘phone number.
• Only hang up when the operator tells you to.

The operator will advise when appropriate assistance has been ordered.

If the emergency deteriorates after you have ended the call, you should dial 999 or 112 again, for further assistance.

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