Help combat threat of wildfires

The Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department of Justice (DoJ) are seeking the views of the public and stakeholders on how to reduce the threat of wildfires in the countryside.

In 2017 Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended 2,231 gorse fires. In the majority of cases these fires were started deliberately.

Launching the consultation ‘Reducing Wildfires in the Countryside’ Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) David Small said: “Wildfires put the safety of firefighters, the public and property at risk. They also have a devastating impact on local wildlife. Several important nature conservation sites, including Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), were impacted by the 2017 wildfires, with significant damage occurring to habitats and species. In addition fighting wildfires is resource intensive and could potentially impact upon the ability of the fire service to respond to other serious incidents.

“The NI Wildfire Stakeholders Group, which consists of representatives from government agencies, environmental Non-Government Organisations (ENGOs) and landowners, considers that the best way forward to tackle the issue of wildfires in NI is to have an agreed and co-ordinated strategic approach which we can all jointly work towards. This will help to identify and prioritise key initiatives to help reduce the number of wildfires in the countryside and to reduce the impacts on the environment and communities when such incidents occur.

“This public engagement is a vital exercise as it will raise awareness and help inform the development of this strategic approach, and I would encourage people to respond so that we can reduce this threat together.”

Anthony Harbinson, Director of Safer Communities at the Department of Justice said: “Anyone involved in illegally setting wildfires in the countryside is breaking the law. They risk not only their own safety, but that of others. They also present a very real risk to property and threaten wildlife.

“I commend those involved in the work of Project ‘Strategically Addressing Wildfire Arson’ (SAWA) and I would encourage everyone with a genuine interest in protecting our environment to engage with this consultation. Working together we can make a positive difference.”

'Reducing Wildfires in the Countryside' is currently open for responses until Friday 16 March 2018 on the NI Direct Citizen Space webpage

Notes to editors: 

1. The PSNI and NIFRS issued appeals for information about wildfires in 2017 and Operation Wildfire was jointly launched in June 2017 between PSNI, NIEA, and NIFRS to investigate a number of these incidents.
2. Project ‘Strategically Addressing Wildfire Arson’ (SAWA) is being supported by DoJ’s Assets Recovery Community Scheme.
3. The law states that burning of vegetation such as heather, gorse, whin or fern must not be carried out between 15 April and 31 August, and only carried out at other times of the year under controlled and expert supervision. Additional offences can be caused by fires that impact on designated sites such as Areas of Special Scientific Interest and their features. Landowners are required to obtain consent from DAERA for prescribed burning within designated sites
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5. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

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