Image source: Cork City Fire Brigade The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued advice to farmers and their advisors in relation to agricultural and eligible forestry land which is burnt during the closed season. The closed season lasts from Monday, March 1, to August 31, the authority notes. The department says it has now activated its Fire Danger Rating System for the season and advises that forest owners and managers should check and update fire plans and other relevant contingencies such as insurance, firebreaks, access and water points, and private helicopter contracts etc, so as to be prepared well in advance of high fire risk phases.