NI Water announces temporary BBQ and open fire ban amid renewed wildfire risk

NI Water has imposed a temporary prohibition on the use of barbeques and open fires across all its publicly accessible sites, including the popular Silent Valley Mountain Park, in response to an amber wildfire warning issued by the Natural Hazards Partnership.

The ban, which takes immediate effect, follows a rise in wildfire risk levels that had briefly subsided but returned to amber status today. The move is intended to protect both public safety and the fragile natural environment, particularly after last month’s spate of devastating wildfires that severely impacted areas such as the Mournes.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) spent two weeks tackling hundreds of wildfires during a period of dry, warm weather. Among the worst affected was Silent Valley Mountain Park, a site of significant ecological restoration following the destructive 2021 wildfires.

These earlier fires had “destroyed flora and fauna, scorched” landscapes and “reduced species diversity,” according to restoration reports.

Patricia McKee, Facilities Senior Manager at NI Water, highlighted the wider implications of such blazes:

“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 BBQs and burning waste increases the risk of wildfires, so special care must be taken.”

She stressed that the decision to impose the temporary restriction was taken with a focus on public welfare and environmental stewardship.

“The ban on lighting BBQs and fires at our sites is a temporary precautionary measure which has been put in place to ensure the safety of our community, wildlife and surrounding environment.

“We have prepared an advisory note which Silent Valley guards will issue to visitors as they arrive. Information will also be available across our social media channels, the NI Water website including www.niwater.com/silent-valley.”

Visitors are being urged to take personal responsibility during their countryside visits, with Ms McKee adding:

“We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun but we all need to work together to protect this precious area of outstanding natural beauty and stop a repeat of last month’s devastating wildfires. The situation will be reviewed at the end of May and updates will be provided accordingly.

“In the meantime, we’re reminding visitors they should not light BBQs or fires in or around our sites and we would like to thank everyone for their understanding, patience and co-operation at this time.”

Safety Guidance and Responsible Behaviour

In support of the new measures, NI Water and the NIFRS have issued a set of guidelines for public conduct in forested and open land areas:

Do’s and Don’ts During High Wildfire Risk:

• Do not light fires in and around forests or open land

• Do not attempt to intervene or fight wildfires

• If a fire is spotted, move to a safe location such as a car park, away from the wind and flames

• Call 999 and report the fire’s location to the NIFRS

• Evacuate if told to do so, and always follow emergency service instructions

• Report any suspected arson to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), as setting fires deliberately is a criminal offence

Tips for Countryside Visitors:

• Always take your litter home

• Do not fly-tip waste or burn it

• Fully extinguish cigarettes and do not throw cigarette ends from vehicles

• Refrain from using open flames or disposable BBQs

This latest move is part of NI Water’s broader efforts to preserve Northern Ireland’s natural habitats and water supply, while ensuring public safety amid fluctuating environmental risks.

The public is encouraged to remain alert, respectful of local rules, and committed to protecting the region’s valuable ecosystems.