Land owners in fire ‘hot spots’ to be targeted in forestry protection plan

LANDOWNERS in fire “hot spots” will come under increasing scrutiny from security authorities as part of a series of new forestry protection measures.

Minister of State with responsibility for forestry Sean Connick has approved 10 measures recommended by the Land and Forest Fires Working Group. One of the first approved will see the rolling out of a publicity campaign aimed at reducing damage caused by uncontrolled fires from February to April.

Mr Connick said: “Uncontrolled burning of vegetation poses a grave and unacceptable risk to the lives and livelihoods of farmers and forest owners throughout the country. Spring is generally unsuitable for burning vegetation, due to dry conditions, strong winds and the presence of dead and dry vegetation, especially in upland areas.”