People are being urged to be vigilant after the Department of Agriculture has issued its highest Red warning for forest fires.
It says the dry conditions mean fire can spread rapidly, particularly in forestry, gorse and heather.
Farmers are asked not to use machinery near hay meadows, and to refrain from using fires.
Donegal County Council is also appealing to landowners and members of the public to exercise caution and to take all necessary measures to prevent wildfires such as gorse, heather, forestry and similar fires.
Forestry Advisor for Teagasc Noel Kennedy says the warning doesn’t happen that often:
Donegal County Council Statement in Full:
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a notice of extreme fire risk (Danger Rating Red) effective from today for all areas where hazardous fuels exist and that these conditions will persist until at least midday on the 29 th.
Donegal County Council wishes to appeal to landowners and members of the public to
exercise caution and to take all necessary measures to prevent wildfires such as gorse, heather, forestry and similar fires.
All land owners and members of the public are urged to be vigilant and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire Service by dialing 999 or 112.
The Council is also urging people not to engage in activities that could contribute to the cause of wildfires.
Donegal County Council would also like to remind landowners and members of the public that under the Wildlife Act 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 it is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between 1st day of March and 31st day of August in any year.
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