Be Summer Ready Booklet

Be Summer Ready Booklet

Be Summer Ready Booklet (PDF)

This booklet is part of the Government of Ireland initiative to provide information to the general public on issues which may affect them during summer months in Ireland. This summer will be different from others because of the impact of COVID-19 that continues to be felt by us all. So please bear in mind all relevant Public Health advice and do not forget that all travel should be considered in line with current Government guidelines.

For up to date information please see www.gov.ie/covid19

During the summer months, Ireland’s waterways and beaches become very popular. More people visit the countryside, engage in outdoor pursuits, visit family farms or take holidays. With these activities there are associated risks and this booklet  provides information on them.

 

Sadly, summer months can also bring tragedy, in the form of drowning accidents, farm accidents, accidents on our roads, or where people succumb to summer-related illnesses. Wildfires are also a more common occurrence during this period.

Information on being prepared and staying safe during these summer months, for the individual, family, home, farm, business and school, is contained in this booklet and in the links/web addresses and phone numbers contained herein. We advise people to familiarise themselves with the information in this booklet.

The booklet is published by the Department of Defence’s Office of Emergency Planning, on behalf of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning.’

There is more information and useful links on our website, www.gov.ie/summerready

Tá leagan Gaeilge den leabhrán seo ar fáil freisin.

Fire Danger Notice 04 of 2021 Condition Orange – High Fire Risk

Condition Orange – High Fire Risk
Warning Effective From 1200hrs 22/04/2021
Effective Period Expires 1200hrs 26/04/2021

Arising from current high pressure dominated weather patterns a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist. This risk phase is expected to peak on Friday, April 23rd.
Based on recent fire activity, ignition risks appear to be focussed on areas with public access, particularly active turf cutting and peatland sites. The relaxation of some Covid-19 requirements mean that members of the public can now travel within their respective counties and higher visitor activity levels at recreational sites can be expected in line with fine weather. Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites are reminded to adhere to regulations introduced to limit the spread of Covid-19. Vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads. Forest visitors should not use barbeques or open fires at any stage.

Fire behaviour and spread rates are likely to be influenced by lower afternoon humidity levels and moderate to fresh easterly winds in many areas. There is potential for wind speeds to reach or exceed the critical 30km/h threshold in several regions and this will significantly increase suppression difficulties in all fuel types. Due caution is advised.

Pending significant rainfall, this risk condition will remain in place until 1200hrs on Monday, April 26th, 2021 unless otherwise stated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Advice to Forest Owners and Managers
All forest owners and managers are again advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire. Fire lines, Fire Plans, fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made ready and other relevant contingencies such as insurance, helicopter contracts etc., checked and confirmed.
The need for increased vigilance at this time cannot be overstated. Forest owners, farmers, rural dwellers and other countryside users are asked to be extremely vigilant regarding fire activity, to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the Gardai and to report all fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999.
The Department recommends that forest owners and managers should consider the fire mitigation measures that they can put in place to help prevent loss or damage to forest resources through fire. Examples of such measures are:

1. Risk assessment:
Assess your property with regard to fire risk and mitigation factors. Is there a risk of fire or presence of hazardous fuel vegetation on neighbouring lands? Is there a history of land burning in the vicinity of your forest? Are access routes adequate, accessible and clear of obstructions? Is there a firebreak in place and has it been adequately maintained?

2. Prepare:
Fire Plans should be developed for all forests, including a map showing access routes and assembly points for fire fighting personnel and equipment and potential sources of water. The plan should also include contact details for the emergency services, local private and Coillte foresters, neighbouring landowners and forest owners in order to summon help should the need arise.
Have fire-fighting tools such as beaters and knapsack sprayers to hand and ready to use. If you do not live in reasonable proximity to your woodland, a local caretaker or forest neighbour should be employed and should also have a copy of the fire plan with your and all the above contact numbers.
Clear tracks and roads if available and ensure forest entrances and access routes are not blocked by parked vehicles or other obstacles, especially where visitors or recreational users may be present. Suitable signage to this effect should be displayed on gates or barriers.
Firebreaks should be created (if not already in place) by screefing or removing vegetation mechanically by excavator so that the soil is bare. Fire breaks should be at least 6 metres wide and should be maintained clear of flammable vegetation.

3. Be Vigilant:
Forest owners should be particularly vigilant during the high risk period. Fire patrols may be warranted in known fire hotspots. Be particularly vigilant at Bank Holiday weekends where high risk weather is forecast. Cooperation between neighbouring landowners is critical to successful fire prevention. Forest owners should discuss their concerns about fire with neighbouring landowners in advance of the fire season. Providing assistance to farmers wishing to carry out legal prescribed burning earlier in the season is a useful way of developing good working relationships with neighbours, as well as ensuring that operations are conducted safely during lower risk conditions. Forest owners should cooperate with fire planning and share the burden of fire patrols and vigilance during high risk periods.

4. Obey the Law:
It is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between 1st March and 31st August in any year. Report all suspicious or illegal activity to Gardai immediately. Landowners wishing to carry out legally permitted prescribed burning must notify in writing all forest owners within one mile of the wood, and the local Garda station, between 7 and 35 days in advance of the burning operation. All burning operations should be notified to the Fire Service, via the control centre by telephoning 112/999 BEFORE burning commences. Landowners found burning illegally could face fines, imprisonment and Single Farm Payment penalties, where applicable.

5. Report Fires Immediately:
If you see a fire, do not delay; report it to the Fire and Emergency Services straight away. Do not wait for somebody else to make the call. Dial 999 or 112. You will not be billed by the fire service or local authority for making the call. Give clear details as regards location, where at all possible using a national grid reference and any other useful information such as the size of the fire, wind direction, proximity to dwellings or forestry etc. Do not attempt to tackle fires alone or without adequate training or protective equipment.

6. Report Losses:
If your forest is damaged or destroyed, report this loss as soon as possible to your local Gardai station and to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford.
Advice to the General Public/Forest Visitors

Members of the public and visitors to recreational areas should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.
Where fire outbreaks occur at or near recreational areas the following actions should be taken by visitors in the interests of safety.
1. Do not light fires in and around forests or open land.
2. Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances.
3. Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire.
4. Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location.
5. Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions.

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/01773-fire-management/#fire-danger-notices

Fire Danger Notice 04 Of 2021 Condition Orange (PDF)

BE PREPARED. BE VIGILANT. STAMP OUT FOREST FIRES.

 

Fire Danger Notice 03 of 2021: Forest Fire Danger Rating Condition Orange – High Fire Risk

Fire Danger Notice 03 of 2021
Issue date: 13 April 2021 @ 1200hrs
Forest Fire
Danger Rating
Condition Orange – High Fire Risk
Warning Effective From 1200hrs 13/04/2021
Effective Period Expires 1200hrs 19/04/2021

Fire Danger Notice 03 Of 2021 Condition Orange(PDF)

BE PREPARED. BE VIGILANT. STAMP OUT FOREST FIRES.

Arising from current high pressure dominated weather patterns a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist. This risk phase is expected to peak on Friday, April 16th.

Based on recent fire activity, ignition risks appear to be mainly focussed on areas with public access, particularly peatland sites. The relaxation of some Covid-19 requirements mean that members of the public can now travel within their respective counties, and higher visitor activity levels at recreational sites can be expected. Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites are reminded to adhere to regulations introduced to limit the spread of Covid-19. Vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads. Visitors should not use barbeques or open fires at any stage.

Fire behaviour is likely to be influenced by lower afternoon humidity levels <60% and elevated wind speeds in western areas during the lifespan of this warning. There is potential for wind speeds to exceed the critical 30km/h threshold in South Western areas and this will significantly increase suppression requirements where it occurs.

Pending significant rainfall, this risk condition will remain in place until 1200hrs on Monday, April 19th, 2021 unless otherwise stated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

BE PREPARED. BE VIGILANT. STAMP OUT FOREST FIRES.

Advice to Forest Owners and Managers

All forest owners and managers are again advised to prepare for likely outbreaks of fire. Fire lines, Fire Plans, fire suppression equipment should be reviewed and made ready and other relevant contingencies such as insurance, helicopter contracts etc., checked and confirmed.
The need for increased vigilance at this time cannot be overstated. Forest owners, farmers, rural dwellers and other countryside users are asked to be extremely vigilant regarding fire activity, to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the Gardai and to report all fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services via 112/999.

The Department recommends that forest owners and managers should consider the fire mitigation measures that they can put in place to help prevent loss or damage to forest resources through fire. Examples of such measures are:

1. Risk assessment:
Assess your property with regard to fire risk and mitigation factors. Is there a risk of fire or presence of hazardous fuel vegetation on neighbouring lands? Is there a history of land burning in the vicinity of your forest? Are access routes adequate, accessible and clear of obstructions? Is there a firebreak in place and has it been adequately maintained?

2. Prepare:
Fire Plans should be developed for all forests, including a map showing access routes and assembly points for fire fighting personnel and equipment and potential sources of water. The plan should also include contact details for the emergency services, local private and Coillte foresters, neighbouring landowners and forest owners in order to summon help should the need arise.
Have fire-fighting tools such as beaters and knapsack sprayers to hand and ready to use. If you do not live in reasonable proximity to your woodland, a local caretaker or forest neighbour should be employed and should also have a copy of the fire plan with your and all the above contact numbers.
Clear tracks and roads if available and ensure forest entrances and access routes are not blocked by parked vehicles or other obstacles, especially where visitors or recreational users may be present. Suitable signage to this effect should be displayed on gates or barriers.
Firebreaks should be created (if not already in place) by screefing or removing vegetation mechanically by excavator so that the soil is bare. Fire breaks should be at least 6 metres wide and should be maintained clear of flammable vegetation.

3. Be Vigilant:
Forest owners should be particularly vigilant during the high risk period. Fire patrols may be warranted in known fire hotspots. Be particularly vigilant at Bank Holiday weekends where high risk weather is forecast. Cooperation between neighbouring landowners is critical to successful fire prevention. Forest owners should discuss their concerns about fire with neighbouring landowners in advance of the fire season. Providing assistance to farmers wishing to carry out legal prescribed burning earlier in the season is a useful way of developing good working relationships with neighbours, as well as ensuring that operations are conducted safely during lower risk conditions. Forest owners should cooperate with fire planning and share the burden of fire patrols and vigilance during high risk periods

4. Obey the Law:
It is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between 1st March and 31st August in any year. Report all suspicious or illegal activity to Gardai immediately. Landowners wishing to carry out legally permitted prescribed burning must notify in writing all forest owners within one mile of the wood, and the local Garda station, between 7 and 35 days in advance of the burning operation. All burning operations should be notified to the Fire Service, via the control centre by telephoning 112/999 BEFORE burning commences. Landowners found burning illegally could face fines, imprisonment and Single Farm Payment penalties, where applicable.

5. Report Fires Immediately:
If you see a fire, do not delay; report it to the Fire and Emergency Services straight away. Do not wait for somebody else to make the call. Dial 999 or 112. You will not be billed by the fire service or local authority for making the call. Give clear details as regards location, where at all possible using a national grid reference and any other useful information such as the size of the fire, wind direction, proximity to dwellings or forestry etc. Do not attempt to tackle fires alone or without adequate training or protective equipment.

6. Report Losses:
If your forest is damaged or destroyed, report this loss as soon as possible to your local Gardai station and to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford.

Advice to the General Public/Forest Visitors

Members of the public and visitors to recreational areas should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.
Where fire outbreaks occur at or near recreational areas the following actions should be taken by visitors in the interests of safety.

1. Do not light fires in and around forests or open land.

2. Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances.

3. Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire.

4. Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location.

5. Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions.

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/01773-fire-management/#fire-danger-notices

National Fire Safety Week 2020 – Sunday October 11 2020

National Fire Safety Week 2020 – Sunday October 11 2020

Everyone loves Sunday Roast. But Monaghan Fire and Civil Protection want you to stay safe.

Always stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Turn off the stove if you leave the room at all.

#FireSafetyIRE #20FSW #SmokeAlarmsSaveLives #STOPfire

http://www.housing.gov.ie/community/fire-and-emergency-management/fire-safety/kitchen

National Fire Safety Week 2020 - Sunday October 11 2020

National Fire Safety Week 2020 – Saturday October 10 2020

National Fire Safety Week 2020 – Saturday October 10 2020

Monaghan Fire and Civil Protection continues today with more top tips for fire safety – starting with NEVER pour water on a cooking pan grease fire. This will cause a fire ball and throw scalding oil into the air.

#FireSafetyIRE #20FSW #SmokeAlarmsSaveLives #STOPfire

http://www.housing.gov.ie/community/fire-and-emergency-management/fire-safety/evacuation

National Fire Safety Week 2020 - Saturday October 10 2020

National Fire Safety Week 2020 – Wednesday October 7 2020

National Fire Safety Week 2020 -Wednesday October 7 2020

Having working smoke alarms is a great first step, but does your household know what to do when they sound? If in doubt – get out!

Today is #WayOutWednesday Add it to your calendar!.

#FireSafetyIRE #20FSW #SmokeAlarmsSaveLives #STOPfire

http://www.housing.gov.ie/community/fire-and-emergency-management/fire-safety/night-time-check

 

National Fire Safety Week 2020 – Tuesday October 6 2020

National Fire Safety Week 2020 – Tuesday October 6 2020

As we are spending more time at home, take the opportunity to ensure your home is as safe as possible. Monaghan Fire and Civil Protection will share top tips all week and want to make this as simple as possible. Let us know your questions too!

#FireSafetyIRE #20FSW #SmokeAlarmsSaveLives #STOPfire

See: http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/Community/FireandEmergencyServices/FileDownLoad%2C16527%2Cen.pdf

National Fire Safety Week 2020 -Tuesday October 6 2020