There’s a warning that higher windspeeds could lead to the spread of gorse fires today.
A Condition Orange High Fire Risk warning is in effect in Clare and the rest of the country until 6pm on Saturday arising from current weather patterns and high temperatures.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine says a high fire risk exists “where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist”.
It says that while the notice is in place, elevated fire risks are expected in all areas of the country, particularly those with high levels of live vegetation.
However, it says fires could spread today due to higher windspeeds.
The department is urging people to be vigilant in areas with “open public access” as well as with “active turf-cutting” and other high risk activities.
Landowners and managers of forestry sites are advised to report all suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána.
Visitors to public recreational areas are being told to “cooperate with all fire safety requirements” and not to light open fires or barbeques in high risk areas.
Additionally, it’s urging those in rural areas to “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”.
Meanwhile, a new all-time-high temperature record could be set in Ireland today.
The previous record was set at Kilkenny Castle in 1887 when a temperature of 33.3 degrees was recorded.
Met Eireann says today will see ‘intense heat’, humid conditions and another tropical night ahead.
Its warning of possible forest fires and an increased risk as more people head to beaches, rivers and lakes.
The HSE is urging people to protect themselves from the sun as high temperatures continue across the country.
With a Status Yellow weather warning in place, health officials are reminding people to follow the SunSmart “5 S’s” – slip on clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.
They say up to 90 per cent of UV rays can pass through cloud cover and warn that skin cancer remains the most common form of cancer in Ireland.
