The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are asking farmers to be vigilant during the current warm and dry spring weather as the potential wildfire hazard risk is high.
The plea for assistance comes as a multi-agency response, led by NIFRS, has been tackling a large wildfire in the Slieve Beagh area in Co Tyrone.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said: “The current fire near Clogher is another stark reminder on how quickly they can spread, creating significant risk to life and property while causing extensive environmental damage.
“The fires in Co. Tyrone and Co. 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 the current conditions set to last into the weekend and beyond I plead with everyone to heed the elevated hazard warning issued, remain extra vigilant to fires in our countryside and report to the police anyone you know involved in deliberate and malicious fires.”
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 risk.
“This activity must stop before someone is killed or injured,” Minister Muir added.
Wildfires
DAERA has urged the public to “exercise common sense” in the countryside.
Farmers are being asked to avoid lighting fires of any kind, and to be considerate in parking vehicles near nature sites so as not to block access for emergency vehicles
If you do see a fire, do not attempt to tackle it yourself, report it immediately to Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.
Extra caution is also advised with respect to use of machinery and other agricultural activity that may also present a risk of fire in dry vegetation on cultivated land in the current conditions.
Operators of such equipment should ensure that the machinery is well maintained and that any heat insulation is in place, is intact and maintained to help reduce the risk of fire.
