Council issues appeal amid high fire risk in Donegal

Landowners and the general public have been advised of a Fire Danger Notice, Condition Orange that has been issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The notice covers all areas where hazardous fuels such as gorse, heather, dried grasses, and other vegetation exist and will remain in place until 6pm on Monday, May 29.

Donegal County Council has appealed for people to exercise caution and to take all necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of wildfires.

“The Council is also urging landowners and members of the public not to engage in activities that could cause wildfires.” a spokesperson said.

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“Landowners and members of the public are urged to be vigilant and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the fire service by dialling 999 or 112.

“House holders or building owners in areas susceptible to wildfire are advised to remove or cut back any vegetation in the immediate vicinity of their house, building or oil tank to prevent wildfires damaging or destroying their property. Cleared areas should be maintained free of vegetation and combustible material.”

Donegal County Council has also reminded landowners and members of the public that under the Wildlife Acts, 1976 and 2000 it is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between 1st day of March and 31st day of August in any year.

The spokesperson added: “Landowners are also reminded that under the Waste Management Regulations 2023 the burning of agricultural waste is currently prohibited.”