Protect The Countryside From Fires Says NIFRS

NIFRS urges the public to prevent fires in the countryside

With dry weather and windy conditions anticipated this week, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is reminding the public to protect our countryside from wildfires.

These fires are commonly caused by human behaviour and are preventable. If you see a fire in the countryside, call 999 immediately.

NIFRS Group Commander Paul Morrow said: “Every year our Fire & Rescue Service is faced with fires in the countryside. These fires can be unpredictable and spread fast, especially during dry weather.

“Not only does this have a devastating impact on our environment and wildlife but it puts people’s lives at risk. The severity of the incidents puts an added pressure on our Service and partner agencies who are working in extreme, high temperatures to put wildfires out.

“Very often these fires are started deliberately. Purposely setting a wildfire is a criminal offence. If you see someone intentionally setting a fire please report it immediately by calling 999.

“The responsibility of preventing fires belongs to all of us and we all need to do our part in protecting our beautiful countryside and green spaces. Please avoid using open fires and extinguish smoking materials, barbeques, camping fires and any other type of flame.”

Please adhere to the following advice to prevent fires in the countryside:

• Avoid using open fires in the countryside. An open fire can easily get out of control.
• Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
• Only use barbeques in a suitable and safe area and never leave them unattended.
• Ensure barbeques are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents.
• Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland or grassland. Take them home or dispose in a waste or recycling bin.
• Be considerate in parking vehicles so you don’t impede access for emergency vehicles.
• Keep children away from lighters, matches and open fires.
• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be extinguished with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it to NIFRS immediately by calling 999.
• If you see someone setting fires, report it to the PSNI.