An extreme fire warning has been issued for Clare, as temperatures across the county begin to soar.
It’s one of a number of warnings issued in light of the heatwave – Irish water is asking people to conserve water, following a number outages across the country, while Clare’s County Dog Warden says fines will be issued for dogs on our beaches.
Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far in Clare, with temperatures as high as 27 degrees recorded at the Shannon weather station.
But it’s expected to get even hotter, and while a low-level yellow weather alert remains in place for the country, Met Éireann could issue a high-level red warning if temperatures climb over 30 degrees, as expected.
Irish Water is monitoring reservoir levels, and demand has already led to a number of outages in the East of the coutry and in the Midlands.
No restrictions have come into force in Clare yet, but Spokesperson Kate Gannon is appealing to people to conserve supplies.
Temperatures peaked at 27 degrees this afternoon, according to the latest report from the Shannon weather station, and its expected to get even warmer over the coming days.
The Department of Agriculture updraded its forrest fire warning to red today, meaning all outdoor use of fires, barbeques and other open ignition sources should be avoided on forest lands and in other high risk areas until further notice.
There have been a number of gorse fires in the Mount Callan, Ogonnelloe and Cratloe areas in recent weeks and Clare’s Chief Fire Officer, Adrian Kelly says once this type of fire breaks out, they can put lives and properties in danger:
Clare’s County Dog Warden is warning that fines will be issued to anyone caught with a dog on the county’s beaches during daytime hours.
Under beach bye-laws, no dogs are allowed on beaches between 11am and 6pm, though Frankie Coote admits these laws are being flouted.
He’s urging people to abide by the rules, saying it’s also a wholly unsuitable place for dogs to be in this weather.
With the heatwave set to last up to ten days, the advice remains – drink plenty of water, protect your skin with sun cream, be careful around water and check in on elderly neighbours.
