The Department of Agriculture has raised the forest fire warning level in Ireland to Status Orange until Wednesday amid soaring temperatures.
Met Éireann has already warned of scorching temperatures of around 32C, particularly on Monday and Tuesday, with the risk of fires in areas containing gorse, dead grass or dry shrubs now elevated to the second highest level.
The Status Orange warning for possible forest, shrub, gorse and grass fires is valid until 12pm on Wednesday afternoon when Met Éireann say the hot spell will have come to a thundery end.
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In its warning, the Department of Agriculture says: "Arising from current weather patterns a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist. A high-pressure ridge currently located to the south west of Ireland will move northwards during the lifespan of this notice and influence Southerly airflows with high air temperatures low to moderate humidity and moderate windspeeds.
"Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites are reminded to adhere to regulations regarding fire use. Forest visitors should not use barbeques or open fires at any stage. Vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads.
In its advice to the public, the Department continued: "Members of the public and visitors to recreational areas should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.
If you encounter a forest fire in the coming days, you are warned: "Do not light fires in and around forests or open land. Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances. Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a carpark, upwind of the fire. Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location. Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions.
"If you see a fire, do not delay; report it to the Fire and Emergency Services straight away. Do not wait for somebody else to make the call. Dial 999 or 112," they advised.
In Met Éireann's Status Yellow High Temperature warning, valid until Tuesday at midnight, they say: "On Sunday and Monday exceptionally warm weather will occur over Ireland with daytime temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees generally and possibly up to 32 degrees in places on Monday. Night time temperatures will range from 15 to 20 degrees."
They also warn of the possible impacts of heat stress, especially for the more vulnerable of the population, a High Solar UV index and the raised risk of water related incidents during warm weather.
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