An action plan to reduce the threat of wildfires in Northern Ireland has been published by Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir.
The Wildfires Action Plan to 2030 was produced through a multi-agency approach as part of the Wildfires Strategic Framework to tackle the increasing threat of wildfires.
This plan focuses on five main objectives of prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and enforcement.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, strategic objectives are supported by 35 key areas of development “which, taken together, should ensure regional capability to address the issue of wildfire is enhanced”.
Partners from the Northern Ireland Strategic Wildfire Group and the Wildfire Stakeholder Forum will collectively work to deliver the action plan, bringing their own expertise and skills to wildfire risk management.
Commenting on the publication of the plan, Minister Muir said: “We have all witnessed the devastating consequences of wildfires in recent years, endangering homes, businesses, and communities whilst also damaging vital upland habitats across Northern Ireland.
“The Wildfire Action Plan lays out how we will work together to reduce wildfire risk by implementing specific actions over the years ahead.
“Its implementation will help make our communities more resilient, by raising awareness of the dangers and providing the tools to adapt to and mitigate wildfire risks.”
The minister added that the action plan also includes measures to “enhance preparedness and capability for response to wildfire incidents”, as well as supporting work on climate change adaptation, biodiversity and peatland restoration.
‘New approach’
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) area commander and strategic wildfire lead, Ryan Thompson said: “We are working closely with our partner agencies to address the impact of wildfires in our community.
“This Wildfire Action Plan sets out a new approach to reduce their frequency and severity to help protect lives, the environment and make Northern Ireland safer.
“We are committed to the strong, unified approach behind the Wildfire Action Plan to ensure our firefighters are ready to respond to incidents in their local areas.
“With spring beginning, we urge the public to follow our safety advice when visiting the countryside.”
Wildfire experts
As part of the implementation of the action plan, DAERA recently appointed a consortium of international wildfire experts to deliver a range of wildfire mitigation and management work across Northern Ireland.
The project is being supported by the carrier bag levy, a 25p levy that applies to all new carrier bags with a retail price of £5 or less.
Led by global non-profit organisation Pau Costa Foundation, the team of experts will work to improve the wildfire resilience across the Eastern Mournes Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), the Antrim Hills Special Protection Area (SPA), and Carn-Glenshane SAC.
The Wildfire Recovery Project will take at least three years to complete and will involve engagement with local landowners and a range of stakeholders including NIFRS, the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), NI Water, Forest Service, and other stakeholders and organisations.
Minister Muir added: “I am pleased to announce the appointment of the internationally renowned Pau Costa Foundation to undertake the delivery of this Wildfire Recovery Project.
“The appointment of these experts is an important step towards better wildfire management, and I encourage local stakeholders and land managers to participate in the project and engage with the consultants during their initial information gathering processes.”
Based in Catalonia, the Pau Costa Foundation is dedicated to wildfire management, fire ecology, and landscape management.
The foundation was established in memory of Pau Costa Alcubierre, a firefighter who died in a forest fire in 2009. It is committed to improving safety for those managing fires.
Jordi Vendrell, general director of Pau Costa Foundation said: “Northern Ireland is highly advanced in wildfire management and strategic planning, and the implementation of projects like this clearly demonstrates that leadership.
“Initiatives of this kind also create an important opportunity to connect knowledge and experience from different parts of Europe, strengthening collaboration and improving how we collectively prevent and respond to wildfire risk.”
