Wildfire warning issued for Northern Ireland - fire service tells public to avoid controlled burning

The hot and dry weather has left the countryside vulnerable to fires caused by burning of vegetation or waste and littering and dumping of waste materials could put emergency services under more pressure.

Agriculture and Environment Minister Edwin Poots said recent fires had put the emergency services under pressure at a time when they are battling the Coronavirus pandemic.

“As we work our way through the COVID-19 crisis, no one should start a fire in the countryside and place further strain on our emergency services.

"A number of significant wildfire incidents have occurred over recent weeks which have threatened property and destroyed valuable habitats."

Minister Poots added: “Wildfires are rarely natural. They are almost always started either deliberately, or by reckless burning or disposal of flammable vegetation or waste material. Waste or litter might also contain glass, which can easily start a fire on a sunny day.”

Due to the time of year and prevailing weather conditions (such as those associated with high pressure systems), an increased fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where dead grasses and shrubs such as heather and gorse exist. Ongoing predominantly dry weather, with a brisk wind at times, will exacerbate the potential for wildfires to spread.

Minister Poots added: “It is important that we all play our part in protecting our communities and vulnerable citizens during this national emergency, to ensure that we do not add unnecessary pressures to the emergency services.

“I’m urging the public to take extreme caution because wildfires could result in tragedy for people caught in the line of a fire – don’t burn waste or vegetation and don’t fly-tip or drop litter.”

Michael Graham, NIFRS Chief Fire and Rescue Officer (Interim) made a direct appeal to farmers to avoid "carrying out controlled burning".

Dealing with wildfires unnecessarily draws our resources away from where they are needed most, protecting our community.

"Thanks to our planning, the changes we have made to how we deliver our service, and the hard work of our people, we are well placed to continue protecting our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, however it is important that the public work with us to not add any additional pressure on the emergency services during this time.

“We would therefore appeal to farmers to support us by not carrying out controlled burning and remind the public to exercise common sense in the countryside.”

The public are reminded that deliberate setting of wildfires is a criminal offence and if you see anyone setting a fire you should call the PSNI immediately.

What to do if you see a fire

If you see a fire in the countryside, 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.

What to do if you witness someone lighting a fire

If you do know people who are fire setting, let the PSNI know to assist with prosecutions.

If you are in the countryside

Extinguish cigarettes and other flammable materials properly.

Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows.

Avoid using open fires in the countryside.

Be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.

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