The IFA Farm Forestry Chair has raised his concerns over the ever-growing threat of forest fires posed by weather patterns.
Padraig Stapleton says wildfires have ravaged through parts of the country in recent weeks, leaving a devastating trail of destruction to woodlands, habitats and eco systems.
IFA is calling for more coordination from all bodies involved in tackling this threat.
Wildfires are nothing new in Donegal, and while the county escaped conflagrations like the ones in the south and south east this summer, IFA says the long spells of hot, dry weather this summer have given rise to perfect conditions for wildfires to wreak havoc in forestry plantations.
Looking to the future, Patrick Stapleton says these spells are likely to become more of the norm, and as a result, a secure fire plan and managing land adjacent to plantations is now an essential farming practice.
IFA suggests forestry owners have a comprehensive fire plan map displayed at plantations, noting meeting places, locations of firefighting equipment, noundaries, hazards and firebreaks, and contact details for the forest owner and the local fire brigade.
Meanwhile, the IFA is seeking a greater level of co-ordination from all of the bodies involved to ensure they are better prepared into the future to be able to take control of these fires when they happen.
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Statement in full –
Fire Safety Advice for Owners of Farm Forestry
IFA Farm Forestry Chair Padraig Stapleton has raised his concerns over the ever-growing threat of forest fires posed by weather patterns.
“Few have felt it more deeply than forestry owners in recent weeks. Wildfires have ravaged through parts of the country, leaving a devastating trail of destruction to woodlands, habitats and eco systems,” he said.
“The long spells of hot, dry weather this summer have given rise to perfect conditions for wildfires to wreak havoc in our plantations. Looking to the future, these spells are likely to become more of the norm. As a result, a secure fire plan and managing land adjacent to plantations is now an essential farming practice,” stated Mr. Stapleton.
IFA recommends the use of the Department Forest Certification Fact Sheet 8 – Fire Planning: risk assessment and measures to minimise risk. Full details here.
IFA suggest having a comprehensive fire plan map displayed at plantations, noting the following:
- Access routes to the property
- Designated meeting places
- Boundaries, hazards and firebreaks
- Location of water or firefighting equipment
- Contact details of forest owner
- Contact details of local fire brigade
“A reduction in the outbreak of forest fires is the primary aim. However, the development of a reliable Fire Plan, along with regular reviews and discussions over the procedures, is hugely important for minimising potential consequences if they do occur,” outlined Mr. Stapleton.
IFA President Francie Gorman echoed this sentiment at a recent wildfire outbreak at Slievenamon. “We need to see a greater level of co-ordination from all of the bodies involved and make sure that we’re better prepared into the future to be able to take control of these fires when they happen.”
If you witness a fire or suspicious activity, we urge you to report it to the Fire and Emergency Services by calling 999 or 112.
