DAERA continues to urge the public to help prevent wildfires

As the dry weather continues, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is once again advising visitors to rural areas as well as residents to be vigilant for wildfires.

With no change in the current warm and dry weather for the foreseeable future there remains a very high risk of wildfire across Northern Ireland. The NI Fire and Rescue Service is reporting a sharp increase in the number of gorse fires. Fires can take hold and spread quickly on dry ground, with potentially devastating consequences.

Given the risk, those living and working in rural communities, particularly in isolated areas, are asked to remain vigilant. Also, please check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours and, of course, always follow the advice and instructions of the NI Fire and Rescue Service.

Under the current conditions, any ignition source in hazardous fuels may give rise to wildfire development. Such a fire can spread very quickly, especially in areas with dead grasses, gorse, forestry and heather. Large areas can become engulfed in a very short period of time and may be hazardous to human life, property and wildlife.

Members of the public and land managers should refrain from the use of open fires at this time and ensure that other potential ignition sources are carefully minded (or guarded)  in order not to cause grass or gorse fires during this period of increased fire risk.

The Department advises at this point that all outdoor use of fires, barbeques and other open ignition sources be avoided on forest lands and in other high risk areas until further notice.

Extra caution is also advised with respect to hay making and the 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.

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. 

Please heed the following advice:

If you are in the countryside:

• Avoid using open fires in the countryside;
• Only use barbecues in designated areas and never leave them unattended;
• Ensure that barbecues are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents;
• Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly
• Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows
• 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.

Notes to editors: 

1. The department may take photographs and videos at announcements and events to publicise its work. Photographs, interviews, videos or other recordings may be issued to media organisations for publicity purposes or used in promotional material, including in publications, newspapers, magazines, other print media, on television, radio and electronic media (including social media and the internet). Photographs and videos will also be stored on the department’s internal records management system. The department will keep the photographs and recordings for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which they have been obtained. The department’s Privacy Policy is available on our website.

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3. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or via email.  Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.

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