Public urged to take extra care to help avoid wildfires

Public urged to take extra care to help avoid wildfires

7 May 2025

FRESH appeals have been issued to the public to take extra care as the current dry spell sparks concern about the risk of more wildfires in areas such as the Mournes.

The Fire and Rescue Service, two leading government departments and NI Water are advising people to exercise caution as tinder dry conditions persist.

The Department of Health and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs are asking people to be vigilant with the widespread devastation caused by last month’s wildfires in the Mournes fresh in the mind.

Last week Stormont Ministers Mike Nesbitt and Andrew Muir met on-call firefighters from Ballynahinch and those form other stations across the district who were part of the emergency response to the recent wildfires, some of the largest of which were at the Silent Valley and Bloody Bridge areas in the Mournes.

Between April 3 and 13, the Fire and Rescue Service received 2,762 calls, just under 400 of which were gorse and wildfire incidents across the province.

The scale of the fires across the Mournes was such that a major incident was declared, with a

significant number of all the wildfires believed to have been started deliberately, with hundreds of firefighters and other emergency personnel involved in the response.

Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Aidan Jenning thanked Mr Nesbitt and Mr Muir for their support.

He said firefighters worked tirelessly under very challenging and exhausting conditions to bring the fires under control last month, while behind the scenes, control room operators and many support employees ensured the organisation’s response was swift, coordinated and effective.

And, as he dry spell continues, he has urged the public to act safely when enjoying the countryside to help reduce the risk of wildfires.

Mr Nesbitt said it had been a “privilege” to have the opportunity to meet Fire and Rescue personnel and firefighters involved in tackling the recent gorse and wildfires which ravaged large areas, severely impacting communities and natural environment.

“My thoughts have been with those who were evacuated from their homes, and whose lives and livelihoods were put at risk following these events,” he said.

“But foremost also in my mind has been the frontline emergency services fighting to bring these fires under control.”

The health minister said their tremendous work was a “testament to the resilience, bravery and dedication” of the emergency services. 

“The scale of the challenges faced by the crews and partners, in the face of extremely dangerous conditions, served as a reminder of their unwavering commitment to public safety. I wish to express my sincere gratitude for all their efforts,” said Mr Nesbitt.

“I would ask anyone looking to enjoy the countryside over this current period of good weather and during the coming months to do so responsibly and to be vigilant to the risks of wildfires.”

Mr Muir also praised those who responded the wildfires and described the scale of destruction wreaked upon the countryside as “heartbreaking”.

He continued: “These fires caused a devastating impact on wildlife, flora and fauna, risked livestock and impacted both local residents and businesses.

“That damage however was undoubtedly greatly reduced by the preparedness of all agencies involved with great expertise and courage displayed. 

“DAERA was able to support the efforts with the Environment Agency on site and specialist all-terrain vehicles with portable pumps deployed.”

Mr Muir added: “As we face into the months ahead I would once again appeal to everyone using the countryside we all cherish to exercise care and play their part in reducing the burden on our emergency services. We all have a responsibility to prevent a recurrence of these devastating fires.”

NI Water said there must be no repeat of the devastating wildfires which have wreaked so much havoc and appealed to the public to be vigilant.

NIW catchment officer Becca Allen said last month’s wildfires had a major impact on its  ongoing Mournes restoration after the devastating wildfires in 2021.

“Areas where we were seeing green shoots of recovery have since been destroyed, flora and fauna were scorched and species diversity reduced,” she remarked.

“We all need to work together to protect this precious area of outstanding natural beauty. Visitors should not light fires in or around our sites.”

She added: “Wildfires not only pose a risk to human life, wildlife and the environment but also our drinking water catchment areas.

“Activities such as littering, using disposable barbecues and burning waste increases the risk of wildfires, especially when weather conditions are breezy, so special care must be taken.”