Coillte and NPWS Expand Use of Drone Technology to Support Faster Fire Detection and Emergency Response as Forest Fire Season Begins.

• Coillte and NPWS have today confirmed the expanded national deployment of monitoring technology
• Since 2021, there has been over 300 fires on Coillte lands causing damage to over 2,500 hectares of land.
• Landowners are reminded that burning growing vegetation on uncultivated land between now and 31^st August is prohibited and an offence under the Wildlife Act.

(Wednesday, 1^st April 2026) As Ireland enters the forest fire risk danger period, Coillte and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are urging the public to be extremely vigilant in the outdoors.

This follows the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Status Yellow Fire Warning, issued on 19^th March, which indicates ongoing fire risk which will remain in effect through to September.

Since 2021, there has been over 300 fires on Coillte lands causing damage to over 2,500 hectares of land. In recent years, illegal and uncontrolled fires have caused significant damage to protected areas and National Parks.

Coillte and NPWS have today confirmed the expanded national deployment of monitoring technology, including enhanced aerial and drone capability, which will assist teams in detecting forest fire outbreaks more quickly, pin-pointing ignition sites and support a faster and more coordinated emergency response.

Both organisations are appealing to the public to act responsibly, avoid all outdoor fires and report any signs of fire immediately to the emergency services. In Ireland, forest fires rarely occur naturally and are almost entirely caused by human activity, including campfires, disposable barbeques, or the burning of vegetation.

Under current ground conditions where there is an accumulation of dead vegetation and limited foliage growth fires can ignite and spread quickly, particularly in upland areas, even following recent rainfall.

Forest fires pose a significant health and safety risk to the public, emergency responders and forest and NPWS personnel. They are extremely dangerous, difficult to control and can spread at great speed under dry conditions.

Beyond the immediate danger to people, forest fires also cause extensive and lasting damage to wildlife, biodiversity, protected habitats and recreational areas. Recovery of burned ecosystems can take many years and in some cases, even decades, while forest owners face significant economic losses, including the cost of firefighting, loss of timber and the substantial expense of replanting and managing damaged forest areas.

The campaign is being highlighted today in the Wicklow Mountains, an area particularly vulnerable to fires due to its upland terrain, vegetation type, and popularity with recreational visitors.

Commenting on the importance of public support, Pat Neville Communications Manager with Coillte, said:

“Every year we see the severe impact that man-made forest fires can have on forests,  wildlife and local communities. In Ireland, these fires almost never start naturally; they come from simple actions like lighting barbeques, campfires, or burning of agricultural lands and vegetation that quickly gets out of control. By being vigilant and avoiding any activity that could start fires in the outdoors, the public can play a crucial role in preventing fires. If we all work together and act responsibly, we can help prevent forest fires from occurring in the Irish countryside this season.”

Landowners are reminded that burning growing vegetation on uncultivated land between now and 31^st August is prohibited and an offence under the Wildlife Act.

Ann Fitzpatrick, National Parks and Wildlife Service, continued by saying: “Illegal and uncontrolled fires are incredibly dangerous and can cause devastating damage to protected habitats, wildlife, and species that may take years or even decades to recover. They also place firefighters, NPWS staff and emergency crews at great personal risk when responding to these incidents. We are asking everyone spending time outdoors to follow safety advice, report any signs of fire immediately and cooperate fully with emergency services. By doing so, you are helping protect Ireland’s natural heritage and the people who work to safeguard it.”