The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) and Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) are asking farmers, land managers and the public for their assistance during the current dry weather spell.
As dry weather continues, the bodies are, once again advising, visitors to rural areas and residents, to act responsibly and be vigilant for wildfires, especially over this bank holiday weekend.
Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA said: “The recent wildfire in the Mournes on Donard Mountain has shown how quickly a wildfire can spread creating significant risk to life and property while causing extensive environmental damage and diverting the emergency services resources away from where they are most needed, protecting and serving the community.”
“With COVID-19 restrictions starting to relax and people travelling to see friends, family and enjoy the countryside, the need for responsible behaviour and increased vigilance at this time cannot be overstated.”
Wildfires
He stressed the wildfire risk increases with members of the public taking advantage to get back into the countryside.
He said people should avoid the use of barbeques, campfires, and other open ignition sources in or near areas where there is a risk of a vegetation fire starting (areas with gorse, forestry, heather, or dry grasses).
“On behalf of all partner organisations, I am asking the public, farmers, rural dwellers and other countryside users to be extremely vigilant regarding the use of fire. Please report any suspicious or illegal activity to the PSNI via 999 and report all fires immediately to the NIFRS via 999.”
There remains a risk of wildfire across Northern Ireland. Fires can take hold and spread quickly on dry ground, with potentially devastating consequences.
Machinery and agricultural activities
Extra caution is also advised with respect to use of machinery and other agricultural activity that may also present a risk of fire in dry vegetation on cultivated land in the current conditions.
Operators of such equipment should ensure that the machinery is well maintained and that any heat insulation is in place, is intact and maintained to help reduce the risk of fire from exhausts or other exposed hot engine parts which may lead to ignition of the surrounding vegetation in these very dry conditions.
The bodies said: “Wildfires are not natural; they are almost always started by humans either deliberately or through carelessness. They put lives at risk, destroy our surroundings and the wildlife in them, and are a real cost to society.”
If you are in the countryside:
- Avoid using open fires in the countryside;
- Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly;
- Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows;
- Only use barbecues in designated and safe areas and never leave them unattended. Keep children and ball games away from barbecues;
- Ensure that barbecues are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents. Better still take your used BBQ home for safe disposal;
- Be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles;
- Do not leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin;
- If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Don’t attempt to tackle fires that will take more than a bucket of water to put out. Leave the area as soon as possible;
- Report any suspicious behaviour to the police.
If you see a fire:
- Firstly, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service;
- Secondly, 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.
Last year, the Irish Wildlife Trust suggested measures to prevent wildfires – you can find more here.
