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With drier weather on the way, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has issued a public reminder to act responsibly when spending time outdoors. The appeal comes as figures show that the vast majority of wildfires are caused by people, not nature.
Statistics from last year show NIFRS attended 95 wildfire incidents, with 83% attributed to deliberate ignition. Of those, 93 occurred between March and May, underlining how the spring period, when vegetation is dry and conditions favour the spread of fire, is the most dangerous time of year.
NIFRS Wildfire Lead and Area Commander Ryan Thompson said: "Wildfire incidents have the potential to devastate our countryside and put wildlife and our community at risk. They are also extremely resource intensive for our Service. Our Firefighters respond tirelessly to these incidents, often in challenging terrain and high temperatures, but the reality is that most wildfires are preventable."
The service is asking anyone heading out to the countryside to avoid lighting open fires, to only use barbecues in designated safe areas, and never to leave them unattended. People are also being asked to take all litter home and to make sure cigarettes and smoking materials are fully extinguished before being disposed of properly.
Motorists are being reminded to keep access routes clear when parking so that emergency vehicles can get through if required.
Area Commander Thompson added: "If you're out enjoying the countryside and you see a fire, call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service. Don't assume that someone else has made the call. Leave the area as quickly as possible and get to safety. Please do not attempt to tackle a fire yourself if it can't be extinguished with a bucket of water and if you witness deliberate fire setting, report it to the PSNI as it is a crime."
NIFRS said it continues to work with partner agencies through its Wildfire Action Plan, a coordinated effort aimed at reducing both the frequency and severity of wildfire incidents.
Area Commander Thompson said: "The responsibility of protecting our countryside belongs to all of us, so we must work together to prevent these devastating fires from starting in the first place."
