The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) today (Friday, May 1) said hundreds of firefighters have been battling wildfires across the North in recent days.
The North’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill today warned that the wildfires, particularly in the Mournes, have “left a trail of devastating damage and demanded a major emergency response”.
The minister said that hundreds of firefighters and partner agencies had worked around the clock “to protect homes, land and lives”.
“Their courage, professionalism and commitment have been outstanding,” she added.
According to the North’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir, the latest wildfires are damaging “landscapes and precious habitats and putting lives, health and property at serious risk”.
Wildfires
The Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt today also highlighted that significant resources have had to be divered to battle the wildfires.
“From April 25 to 29, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service was involved in resolving three significant wildfire incidents, with 65 Fire Service Vehicles deployed and over 300 crew attending the incidents.
“It has been estimated that approximately 2500 hectares of land has been impacted.
“This level of impact is shocking and quite frankly unsustainable. As of today, that is six significant wildfires”.
According to Minister Nesbitt a Wildfire Action Plan has been launched in Northern Ireland to focus on prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and enforcement.
“These destructive attacks must stop, and by working together we can protect our communities, and safeguard precious habitats such as the Mournes for future generations,” he added.
Separately the NIFRS assistant chief fire and rescue officer, Marcus Wright, made a fresh appeal to the public to “act responsibly when enjoying the countryside to help reduce the risk of wildfires.”
The PSNI has also warned that if it is found that a wildfire has been maliciously started “it will be fully investigated by police and when identified those responsible can expect to be arrested and prosecuted”.