400,000 years of practice does not mean that Ireland has learned how to manage fire

Ireland’s outdated fire legislation has come under scrutiny after ecologists highlighted how current laws fail to address modern environmental challenges. Pádraic Fogarty, an ecologist and author, stated that Ireland’s legal framework governing fire use remains unchanged for over three decades. He emphasized that the fines imposed for illegal fires remain low, often ranging into the hundreds of euros, which fails to act as a meaningful deterrent. According to Fogarty, this legislative stagnation has contributed to a growing crisis, especially as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires. Fogarty spoke on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, describing controlled burning as a “bugbear” due to its illegality during the bird nesting season, which spans from 1 March to the end of August. Despite this restriction, he noted that fires still occur, often in rural areas. A recent wildfire on Slievenamon in County Tipperary has reduced significantly, though firefighters continue to manage isolated hotspots. The ecologist warned that while some fires may appear controlled, they are rarely truly safe, as even seemingly managed burns can lead to uncontrolled spread. Fogarty pointed out that Ireland’s peatlands, which serve as critical carbon sinks, are in an “extremely degraded state,” making them highly susceptible to fire. He stressed the importance of maintaining moisture levels on the hills and restoring native forests, which are less prone to catching fire. Unfortunately, Ireland has largely lost its native forest cover, replaced by monoculture plantations of conifer trees that increase fire risk. He compared this issue to similar problems in France and Spain, where large-scale monocultures contribute to escalating wildfires. In addition to ecological concerns, the impact of wildfires extends to biodiversity, particularly affecting pollinators such as bees. Brian Murray, founder of the Micro Wild biodiversity project, explained that heatwaves and wildfires disrupt bee behavior. During extreme temperatures, bees retreat to their nests, unable to forage for food. Murray noted that honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bees operate optimally within a temperature range of 14°C to 20°C. Outside this window, they struggle to find sufficient nectar, pollen, or water, leading to severe stress on populations. Murray described the broader consequences of these conditions, emphasizing that wildfires have a “massive effect” on insect life. Bees rely on pollen to feed their larvae, and when foraging becomes impossible, entire colonies face survival threats. He added that the loss of habitat and resources caused by fires further compounds the challenges faced by these essential pollinators. Fogarty echoed these concerns, noting that Ireland has dealt with wildfires at this scale for approximately 15 to 20 years. As climate patterns shift toward longer dry periods, the frequency and severity of such events are likely to worsen. He called for urgent action to transition away from harmful land-use practices and towards sustainable forestry models that prioritize both ecological resilience and human safety. With rising temperatures and extended droughts, experts warn that without significant changes to land management and fire regulation, the risk of catastrophic wildfires, and their cascading effects on ecosystems and wildlife, will continue to grow. The debate over how best to balance agricultural needs with environmental protection remains unresolved, highlighting the complex challenges facing Ireland’s landscape in an era of increasing climatic uncertainty.