'˜Wildfires put lives at risk, destroy our surroundings and the wildlife in them'

The current spell of dry weather, combined with the current hot conditions, has resulted in elevated wildfire risk across Northern Ireland.

Just yesterday dozens of firefighters spent hours battling a huge wildfire at a remote site off the Glenshane Pass in Co Londonderry.

The NI Fire and Rescue Service said the fire is thought to have been started by “human error”.

“With the weekend approaching, the summer holidays just round the corner and schools closing there will be an expected increase in members of the public taking the opportunity to explore the countryside,” a statement issued by the department 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.

“Members of the public visiting the countryside should take particular precautions so as not to accidently start / cause wildfires through their activities.

“Under the current conditions, any ignition source in hazardous fuels may give rise to wildfire development and spread, particularly in areas with dead grasses, gorse, forestry and heather and, can cover extensive areas in a very short period of time and may be hazardous to human life and wildlife.”

People are being asked to heed the following advice:

If you are in the countryside:

• Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly; Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows;

• Only use barbecues in designated areas and never leave them unattended;

• Ensure that barbecues are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents;

• Avoid using open fires in the countryside;

• Do not leave bottles or glass behind; sunlight shining through glass can start a fire.

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

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;

• If you see someone setting fires, report it to the PSNI.

For more information visit the nidirect website - www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/fire-safety-outdoors-barbecues-camping-countryside