A forest fire alert for the rest of the week as temperatures soar across the country.
The High Fire Risk alert was issued by the Department of Agriculture yesterday and will remain in place until 12pm on Friday, May 17.
Blazes could occur in wooded areas due to the amount of dead vegetation and a combination of high temperatures and little rain.
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A spokesperson said: "Arising from current Easterly high pressure weather conditions, forecast high temperatures and low relative humidity levels, a High Fire Risk exists in all areas where hazardous fuels such as gorse, heather, dried grasses and other dead vegetation exist.
"Fire risk is likely to be highest in westernmost areas with lowest expected humidity levels in coming days.
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"Fire behaviour may be moderated somewhat by increasing live growth content in fuels and generally low ambient windspeeds during the lifespan of this notice.
"South Western areas may experience significant windspeeds in excess of 20km/h at times."
Forestry owners and managers are advised to be vigilant during the current spell of hot weather.
