Donegal County Council is appealing to land owners and members of the public to exercise caution during this current period of dry weather and to take all necessary measures to prevent gorse, heather, forestry and similar fires.
With this current period of dry weather set to continue over the weekend Acting Chief Fire Officer Joseph McTaggart states that “the weather is favourable for gorse, hill and forestry fires and we are urging landowners and members of the public not to engage in activities that could contribute to wildfires”.
He added “we are asking householders living in areas prone to wildfires to cut back any vegetation in the vicinity of their house so as to protect their home from becoming involved in a wildfire”.
With the current period of dry weather, gorse, heather and other undergrowth is extremely dry. Fires are likely to spread rapidly and get out of control causing unnecessary damage and putting houses, property and possibly life at risk. These fires also interfere with wildlife habitat, breeding and nesting and, in many cases, can decimate the local wildlife population.
The Council is also urging people to be vigilant and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire Service by calling 999 or 112.
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