Orange fire risk warning

A Status Orange high fire risk warning has been issued for County Kildare, effective from 12 noon on 20 July 2026 until 12 noon on Friday 24 July.

The alert follows a prolonged spell of dry weather, which has left grass, heather and gorse highly flammable and increased the danger of wildfires, including underground peat fires on bogs. While overall temperatures are forecast to be lower, soil moisture levels continue to fall, and larger fuel types are now more likely to burn, making fires harder to control. Winds in some areas may exceed 20km/h at times, further worsening fire behaviour.

Kildare Fire Service is urging the public not to light barbecues or outdoor fires in forests or recreational areas, and to fully extinguish barbecues used at home. Landowners are reminded that burning growing vegetation on uncultivated land is illegal between 1 March and 31 August and must comply with all restrictions on land burning.

People visiting rural and recreational areas are asked to park considerately so emergency vehicles can access sites if needed, and to be especially vigilant in areas with dry vegetation. The public is advised not to approach or attempt to extinguish fires themselves.

Anyone who sees a fire is urged to call 999 or 112 immediately, move to a safe location, and provide clear details of the fire’s location, size, wind direction and proximity to homes or forestry. Suspicious or illegal activity should be reported to An Garda Síochána.

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