NIFRS Comments On Ongoing Wildfires Across Northern Ireland
It has been a busy week for NIFRS crews across County Down as wildfires have sprung up now that the upland areas of bracken and gorse have dried out.
An NIFRS spokesperson said: “Currently the wildfire in Sandbank Road, Hilltown, continues and we are also asking the public to avoid Chimney Rock Mountain due to a wildfire.
“In terms of the wildfire in Ballagh Road, Newcastle, from Saturday to Tuesday there were a total of 24 Fire Stations involved in the incident at different intervals as teh fires unfolded.
“Firefighters are continuing to work tirelessly at the Sandbank Road, Hilltown, wildfire incident.
“Approximately 50 Firefighters are in attendance battling a fire front of over 500m. Firefighting operations will continue today so we ask the public to avoid this area.
“With the weather warning still in place, we are appealing to the public to adhere to our fire safety advice. Please stay vigilant to fire in the countryside.
“If you see a fire, call 999 immediately.”
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.
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Muir Says Arson Is A Major Factor In Recent Spate Of Fires
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “It is soul destroying to see the Mournes ravaged again by wildfires during the first significant spell of sunshine this year.
“The impact of these fires is real and significant, with lives potentially at risk, communities in fear and natural habitats destroyed.
“I am immensely grateful to the NI Fire and Rescue Service for the sustained response in challenging conditions and would urge everyone to heed calls to stay away whilst firefighting continues.
“Should you see a fire in the countryside, call 999 immediately and alert the Fire and Rescue Service.
“Rural arson is a crime, if anyone has any information on those deliberately lighting malicious fires in our countryside they should contact the Police or Crimestoppers anonymously without delay.”
“The NIEA continues to engage with partner agencies like the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the PSNI and would urge everyone enjoying the good weather to act responsibly and follow the Countryside Code.
“Avoid open fires in the countryside, only use barbecues in designated areas and never leave them unattended.
“Ensure no litter is left behind, extinguish and dispose of all cigarettes and smoking materials properly.”
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Butler says better upland farming is key to preventing Mournes wildfires
Ulster Unionist Agriculture Spokesperson and AERA Committee Chairman Robbie Butler MLA has reacted with disappointment to the latest wildfires devastating the Mourne Mountains, with around 95 firefighters currently deployed across multiple fronts.
Robbie Butler UUP MLA said: “Once again, we are watching the Mournes burn.
“This is becoming an appalling annual pattern and it simply is not good enough.
“I agree with the Agriculture Minister that where these fires are being deliberately set, that is rural arson, it is a serious crime, and those responsible must face the full consequences.
“But we also have to be honest about the fuel that feeds these fires. Unmanaged gorse in areas that have lost active grazing creates the conditions for catastrophe.
“Sheep aren’t the problem in our uplands, but they’re part of the solution.
“If we properly support good agricultural practices in our uplands, we can reduce fire risk, protect habitats, and sustain farming livelihoods that is a genuine win-win.
“The bravery of our firefighters is not in question.
“What is in question is whether we have the will to finally act before the flames take hold. Once again I’m saying ‘cut the gorse, not the grazing.’ “
