GOVERNMENT officials have issued a Status Red "extreme fire risk" warning the entire country as Ireland braces for 32C temperatures. The issue of Condition Red extreme fire risk warnings is a rare event and members of the public have been urged to co-operate with all advice that has been issued. The public is being urged to act responsibly by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in order to prevent horrific fires. The red fire alert was issued yesterday and remains in place until Monday noon. Met Eireann has already placed 14 counties under a Status Yellow high temperature warning today and issued the entire country with the same warning for tomorrow and Sunday. The risk of forest fires are expected as a result of the hot spell. The department said an extreme fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist. Hikers, hill walkers and beachgoers are urged not to light open fires and bbqs in forest areas. Officials warned: “Forest fire risk is likely to be increased by expected high levels of public and visitor activity in fire prone areas during the weekend. “High vigilance is warranted in areas with intensive public access and recreational use. “Visitors to public recreational areas should cooperate with all fire safety requirements and not light open fires or barbecues in forest areas.” The department said under extreme fire risk conditions any ignition source in dry vegetation will give rise to rapid and unpredictable wildfire development and spread. Fires can be expected to cover extensive areas and pose extreme difficulties to suppression efforts and may potentially give rise to Major Emergency scenarios. Landowners found burning illegally could face fines, imprisonment and Single Farm Payment penalties. The department said: “The issue of Condition Red extreme fire risk warnings is a comparatively rare event and implies that recipients should take immediate action to protect resources and property." It’s an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between March 1 and August 31 in any year. Drivers are reminded that vehicles should be parked considerately away from site entrances so as not to impede emergency service access. For those living in the countryside, they should remain vigilant in fire prone areas, and check on elderly or other vulnerable neighbours. Department officials added: “Visitors to forests and other recreational sites should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.”