Camping banned as high fire risk declared for Mayo's Wild Nephin park

A high fire risk warning has been issued for Wild Nephin National Park, with camping strictly prohibited for the duration of the alert.

The Condition Orange notice came into effect at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, and will remain in place until 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 27.

The warning applies to all areas of the park where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses, heather, and gorse are present. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said the risk arises from current and forecast weather patterns.

The condition will stay in force until significant rainfall occurs, unless the Department states otherwise.

Camping is banned at the park for as long as the Condition Orange notice remains active.

Members of the public and forest visitors are asked to cooperate with all fire safety requests, observe relevant bye-laws, and park considerately so as not to block access for emergency vehicles.

The Department has issued advice for visitors in the event a fire breaks out at or near recreational areas:

Do not light fires in or around forests or open land.

Do not attempt to fight fires under any circumstances.

Gather family or group members and move to a safe, fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire.

Phone the Fire and Rescue Services on 112 and report the fire's location.

Evacuate if instructed, and cooperate fully with all emergency service instructions.