Landowners urged to be vigilant over forest fires after harsh winter

By Ray Ryan

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

LANDOWNERS were warned forests are at the risk of fires after the harsh winter.

Vegetation is reported to be in vulnerable condition and already a number of gorse fires have been reported around the country.

The period between now and June, when ground vegetation is dead and dry following winter, is regarded as the period of greatest risk for the country’s plantations.

With increased visitors to forests expected during and after St Patrick’s Day and in run-up to the Easter holiday period, landowners and the public are urged to be particularly vigilant.

Minister of State Tony Killeen reminded all landowners it is an offence under the Wildlife Act to burn growing vegetation between March 1 and August 31 in any year, on any land not then cultivated.

If this simple rule was adhered to many costly and dangerous forest fires would be avoided, he said, pointing out single payment scheme applicants who burn vegetation within this period could have their payments reduced.

Mr Killeen said the areas at highest risk from wildfire tend to be located adjacent to or within moorland areas.

Dry periods and seasonal high winds in spring help create ideal conditions for wildfire to spread quickly through highly flammable moorland vegetation.

Woodland located in the path of such fires can very easily be destroyed and young forest crops are particularly at risk of fire, given the small size of trees and their proximity to flammable ground vegetation.

Mr Killeen said generally woodland located within improved pasture and grassland is at very low risk of fire occurrence.

This is due to the type of vegetation involved, but for other types of land there are some simple, cost-effective steps forest owners can take to reduce the risk of fire damage.

Fires should not be lit in or near woodland and care should also be taken with other potential sources of ignition.

All forest crops should be insured against losses by fire, which is one of the risks for which cover is available commercially.

He reminded forest owners that, with effect from June 1, 2009, the reconstitution scheme, administered by his department, does not cover any fire or wind damage occurring after that date.

The minister said fire plans should be developed for all plantations.

Fire-fighting tools such as beaters and knapsack sprayers should be to hand and ready to use in case of fire.

Co-operation between neighbouring landowners is vital to successful fire prevention, he added.

This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, March 17, 2010