A high risk status orange land and forest fire warning has been issued for Clare.
The notice applies from now until Sunday April 7th.
Forest owners, farmers, rural dwellers and other countryside users are being urged to be extremely vigilant regarding fire activity and to report any suspicious or illegal activity to Gardaí immediately and all fires to the Emergency Services.
Clare County Council has issued the following advice.
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 found burning illegally could face fines, imprisonment and Single Farm Payment penalties, where applicable.
• 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
