‘Stop before someone is injured or killed’: Authorities issue urgent wildfire warning across NI

Northern Ireland authorities have issued a stark warning to the public as the risk of wildfires intensifies during a spell of warm and dry spring weather.

The alert comes in the wake of a significant blaze currently being tackled in the Slieve Beagh area of County Tyrone, which has already devastated a third of a protected conservation site shared with neighbouring County Monaghan.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), and Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have launched a multi-agency response, urging everyone to act responsibly and remain vigilant in the countryside.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir described the situation as “another stark reminder on how quickly they can spread, creating significant risk to life and property while causing extensive environmental damage.”

He highlighted the environmental cost of the ongoing fire:

“The fire in Counties Tyrone and Monaghan has torn through approximately a third of a precious protected site which includes a Special Area of Conservation for the endangered Hen Harrier during nesting season as well as important blanket bog habitat.”

With weather conditions expected to remain dry into the weekend and beyond, the Minister made a direct appeal:

“I plead with everyone to heed the elevated hazard warning issued, remain extra vigilant to fires in our countryside and report to the Police or Crimestoppers anyone you know involved in deliberate and malicious fires.

“Those who know the individuals involved must come forward and help us apprehend the culprits wreaking destruction across our countryside.”

Reinforcing the severity of the risk, Minister Muir warned:

“Once ignited, fire can spread rapidly, especially in areas with dead grasses, gorse, forestry and heather. Large areas can become engulfed in a very short period of time putting life, property and wildlife at real risk. This activity must stop before someone is killed or injured.”

Firefighters Under Strain

The NIFRS echoed the Minister’s concerns, with Area Commander Barry Ross underlining the heavy toll wildfires take on resources and personnel.

“With the dry weather set to continue over the next few days we are asking the public to support their Firefighters by staying safe from fire in the countryside.

“Dealing with wildfires is not only challenging and physically demanding for our Firefighters, it is extremely resource intensive for our Service and partner agencies. If you are enjoying the weather this weekend, please do so responsibly and follow our safety advice.”

Criminal Offences and Public Responsibility

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson stressed the legal consequences of setting wildfires, deliberate or otherwise.

“Gorse fires have the potential to cause widespread damage to the environment and harm to wildlife, as well as threatening homes, farms and the people living in those areas.

“The unpredictability of fire can also mean that those causing them may be putting their own lives at risk as well as the lives of the fire service personnel and other emergency services tasked to deal with them.

“I would remind the public that deliberate setting of wildfires is a criminal offence and if you see anyone setting a fire you should contact us immediately.

“Anyone caught deliberately setting a wildfire will be prosecuted to the full extend that the law allows.”

Public Urged to Act Responsibly

Authorities are calling on the public to exercise common sense and avoid any activities that could ignite a fire. This includes not lighting fires of any kind, taking care when parking near rural or conservation sites to ensure emergency access is not obstructed, and avoiding use of machinery that could spark a blaze.

Farmers and landowners are also reminded that the prescribed burning window has closed, and all machinery used in agricultural activity should be well-maintained, with heat insulation in place and intact.

If a fire is spotted, the public is strongly advised not to attempt to tackle it themselves but to report it immediately to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.