Forestry chief advises farmers to be extra vigilant to avoid forest fires

FARMERS are being urged to be extra vigilant to avoid forest fires from today, the official start of the nesting and breeding season.

IFA farm forestry chairman Pat Hennessy has urged farmers to adhere to the restrictions on the cutting, burning or destruction of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges during the nesting and breeding season, which runs until August 31.

Mr Hennessy said: “Although there are some exemptions to the restrictions for works carried out during the normal course of agriculture and forestry, we are asking farmers to be extra vigilant. 2010 was the worst year in recorded history for forest fires.

“Over 2,000 hectares of forests were destroyed, of which approximately 1,000 hectares were privately owned.

“The forest fires resulted in a significant financial loss for many farmers who did not have forest insurance. They incurred the loss of the value of the timber, but also the cost of replanting the forest without a grant, which is significantly higher after a forest fire.”

Mr Hennessy also advised farmers to insure their forests to protect their investment.

The IFA has joined forces with FBD to develop the Timber Growing Insurance policy that covers the fire brigade call out charges, loss of timber and replanting cost. It has been extended to cover fire brigade call out charges for a fire in the vicinity of a forest that may threaten neighbouring plantations.

“Although there were substantial financial losses in 2010, thankfully there was no loss of life. I would ask the public to contact the Gardaí if they see a fire in vicinity of a forest,” added Pat Hennessy.