Status orange forest fire warning issued for this weekend

The mossy forest at Muckross Lake, Killarney. People visiting forests, parks, beaches, and other recreation sites are asked not to bring barbeques and other sources of ignition. File picture

The department of agriculture has issued a status orange forest fire warning for the coming weekend, as the current spell of warm weather continues.

People visiting forests, parks, beaches, and other recreation sites are asked not to bring barbeques and other sources of ignition and to be mindful of parking and access to the areas for emergency services.

In the warning issued this evening, the department said it wants to highlight "the dangers to resources and public safety arising from vegetation fires, on and around forests and other public recreation sites, especially those close to urban areas".

Daytime temperatures climbed as high as 27C earlier this week, and highs of this value are also forecast for the weekend.

The department says the current weather conditions could pose significant challenges to firefighting efforts, and can also divert emergency service resources away from other types of emergencies.

It also said that, so far during 2025, more than 4,355ha of land has already been affected by fires. The department's warning is the 8th such fire danger notice issued this year.

It has recommended that forest owners "act immediately" to implement fire prevention plans and be prepared for the likelihood of fire outbreaks on or around their property, especially those with public access.

"High levels of vigilance are required at this point," a department spokesperson said.

Landowners and managers should ensure that the use of open fires, barbeques and other potential ignition sources do not take place in forest lands and other public areas during the current warm weather phase.

Farmers have also been requested to be "particularly vigilant with regard to the use of machinery around hay meadows and crop harvesting", as these may pose a risk of fire.

The department issued the following advice for people who come into contact with fire outbreaks at or near recreational areas:

• Do not cause or light fires in and around forests or open land,
• Dispose of smoking materials responsibly, 
• 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 car park, upwind of the fire, 
• Phone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 or 999 and report the fire and its location,
• Evacuate if instructed to do so, and co-operate with all Emergency Service instructions. 

Weekend forecast 

According to Met Éireann, Saturday morning will be dry with sunny spells, though some showers will affect Munster and parts of Connacht during the afternoon and evening.

These showers will be heavy and potentially thundery, the forecaster said, but they will not clear the air, and daytime temperatures will reach 27C.

Saturday evening is expected to be another mild, humid night, with temperatures not dropping back to below 14 to 17C.

Sunday will be mostly dry and sunny to begin, though scattered showers will move in from the southwest by around noon. These showers will mainly affect Munster and Connacht through the afternoon and evening, and some may turn heavy or possibly thundery. Highest temperatures on Sunday will range from around 19C to 25C in mostly moderate southeast winds.

By Sunday night, the showers will have died off, giving way to a very mild, humid night with lows of 14C to 17C.