Council asks public not to fly drones over fire hit areas

Roscommon County Council has issued a public safety message following the fires that destroyed acres of forestry yesterday. 

It is asking people to avoid the affected areas in West Roscommon and under no circumstances to fly drones over the areas as helicopter crews continue to work in the vicinity.

“Our local authority fire services urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution following an extensive fire outbreak in the West Roscommon area at the weekend,” it said. “Fire services have been responding to the outbreak over a five kilometre radius across the Granlahan, Gortaganny, Coney Island, Carrowbehy and Cloonfower areas.” Residents in the immediate area are urged to keep all windows and doors closed to avoid exposure from smoke, the council advised.

“People are also urged to avoid the affected areas to enable emergency services continue their work. The public is also warned that under no circumstances should drones be operated in the area. Any persons doing so will be reported and risk prosecution. Helicopter crews remain in the affected areas to prevent further outbreaks of fire.” 

All members of the public are urged to exercise particular caution, particularly near forested or areas of considerable vegetation where the ongoing dry spell has made conditions susceptible to fire outbreaks.