Orange Fire Danger Notice Remains In Place Until Midday Wednesday
Orange Fire Danger Notice remains in place until midday Wednesday 29 July. Cork County Council says vegetation is still exceptionally dry.
Cork County Council has warned that the risk of wildfire remains significant, with an Orange Fire Danger Notice in place until midday on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.
The council said that despite cooler temperatures and forecasts of some rainfall, vegetation remains exceptionally dry and the risk of fire is still significant.
The notice has been issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Under the department's Forest Fire Danger Rating system, Condition Orange denotes a high fire risk and is the third of four ratings, sitting above Green and Yellow and below Condition Red, which the department describes as the highest level and rare in Ireland.
Cork County Council has asked anyone enjoying the outdoors this summer to help prevent wildfires by following a number of steps:
- Do not light fires in or near forests, grasslands or woodland areas
- Only use designated BBQ facilities where provided and fully extinguish embers afterwards
- Do not block forest entrances or access roads when parking
- Report fires immediately by calling 999 or 112
- Report suspicious activity to An Garda Síochána
- Never attempt to tackle a wildfire yourself
The council said wildfires can spread rapidly, threatening communities, wildlife, forestry and valuable habitats, adding that everyone has a role to play in protecting the countryside.
The notice comes as the National Severe Weather and Flood Coordination Group met again today to review the continuing impacts of the prolonged dry weather, with a particular focus on wildfire activity, drought conditions and water supplies. A National Wildfire Subgroup has met daily since Monday, and liaison is continuing with the European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre.
Minister James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage:
"Today's meeting demonstrated the extensive coordination taking place across government, local authorities and the emergency services in response to the continuing drought and wildfire conditions.
I want to acknowledge the exceptional work of the crews operating on the ground and in the air, particularly those responding to the major fire at Slievenamon. Firefighters, Civil Defence, Coillte and NPWS staff, the Air Corps, private helicopter crews and the many others supporting the operation have worked tirelessly in extremely difficult circumstances.
The expected change in the weather is welcome, but it will not bring an immediate end to the pressures we are experiencing. Water sources will take time to recover, and the countryside remains extremely dry. We therefore need the public to continue conserving water and to remain vigilant regarding the risk of wildfire."
Wildfire activity is continuing across the country, including the ongoing multi-agency operation at Slievenamon in County Tipperary, where changing wind conditions and the movement of the fire into areas of forestry are requiring ongoing monitoring and sustained operations.
The government statement notes that although temperatures have reduced and some rainfall is forecast, vegetation and forest fuels remain exceptionally dry, and that light or intermittent rainfall will not remove the wildfire risk immediately.
The public is also reminded that the burning of growing vegetation on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August each year is prohibited by law.
Separately, a nationwide Water Conservation Order came into effect today, Friday 24 July 2026, and is currently due to remain in place until Wednesday 26 August. The order may be lifted earlier or extended depending on rainfall, water source levels and the availability of treated water for distribution. Customers can contact Uisce Éireann's 24/7 helpdesk on 1800 278 278.
According to the government statement, temperatures will be lower than those experienced during the recent hot spell, but the weather will remain relatively warm. Rain and drizzle will move southeastwards on Saturday, becoming lighter and more intermittent as it does so, with rainfall amounts in the south and southeast expected to be very limited. Readers are advised to check met.ie for the latest forecast.
Further fire management advice is available from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the full government statement is available on gov.ie.
