The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) and Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have asked the public to be extra vigilant for wildfires in rural areas.
In a joint statement, they said a recent spate of wildfires across Northern Ireland were all the result of malicious deliberate fire lighting, causing damage to the countryside.
Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir said: “I am extremely concerned by the recent spate of wildfires across Northern Ireland which is having a devastating impact on the environment and wildlife.”
Farmers and land managers are advised to take all necessary precautions to ensure that any prescribed burning within the remaining burn period which, closes on April 14, does not turn into a wildfire incident.
If you are carrying out prescribed burning:
- Burn within the legally permitted period;
- Ensure you have the necessary consents or permissions to carry out the prescribed burning;
- Ensure Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service are notified of the burn and when the burn is completed;
- Ensure necessary precautions are in place to contain and manage the burning.
Area commander and NIFRS lead wildfire officer, Ryan Thompson, said: “We are asking the public to support their firefighters by not starting fires in the countryside.
“Not only are these incidents challenging and exhausting for our firefighters, they are also extremely resource intensive.
“I want to reassure the public that contingency plans are in place and we will continue to respond should you need us in an emergency. Please remember to act safely, be responsible and be vigilant.”
The deliberate setting of wildfires is a criminal offence and the public are urged to report anyone setting a fire to the PSNI immediately.
Assistant chief constable Ryan Henderson said: “Gorse fires have the potential to cause widespread damage to the environment and harm to wildlife as well as threatening homes, farms and the people living in those areas.”
If you see a fire:
- Report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service;
- Do not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with a bucket of water;
- Leave the area as soon as possible;
- If you see someone setting fires, report it to the PSNI.
