Offaly fire service issues warning after local fires
Offaly Fire and Rescue service have reminded people about the risks of dry fires in the current hot weather after they were called to deal with a number of local incidents.
“Hope you are all enjoying the good weather but please remember that with conditions so dry fires can be ignited very easily,” a social media post outlined.
The fire service shared photos of incidents they attended over the last few days.
“Please be careful out there and ensure all embers are extinguished if using barbecues.
Report all fires if you see something starting,” they said.
They urged people to remain vigilant to contact the fire service straight away.
“The earlier we get there the safer it is for everyone,” they said.
A nationwide orange fire risk warning was in place over the past number of days.
Members of the public were strongly advised not to light fires, use disposable barbecues or discard smoking materials in or near forests, parks, upland areas or other open countryside. Visitors to recreational areas were also asked to cooperate with local fire safety measures, obey all by-laws and ensure vehicles are parked in a manner that does not obstruct emergency service access. Landowners, farmers and forest managers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána.
Anyone who discovers a wildfire is advised not to attempt to tackle it themselves.
Instead, they should move to a safe location and immediately contact the emergency services by calling 112 or 999, providing clear details of the fire’s location.