A spate of wildfires across Northern Ireland last week were all the result of deliberate fire lighting, it emerged on Friday as a plea was issued for malicious fire starters to stop.
The joint plea from the fire service, police and a Stormont minister was issued amid a warning over the threat to life and the damage caused to the environment.
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said the recent fires have had a "devastating impact on the environment and wildlife".
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A spokesperson for his department said: "The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) and Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) are asking everyone for their help during the current dry spring weather.
"Last week saw a spate of wildfires across Northern Ireland; all were the result of malicious deliberate fire lighting and they have caused damage to different parts of the Northern Ireland countryside. Visitors to rural areas as well as residents are being advised to be vigilant for wildfires.
Mr Muir said: “I am extremely concerned by the recent spate of wildfires across Northern Ireland which is having a devastating impact on the environment and wildlife. I’m urging those who have been lighting these malicious and deliberate wildfires to stop immediately. No one should start a fire in the countryside unless it’s part of a specific planned and properly managed land management practice."
He added: "People lighting these fires may be putting their own and others’ lives at risk including the fire service personnel and other emergency services tasked to deal with them. I would like to put on record my thanks to emergency services for their preparedness and rapid response which has helped reduce the scale of the damaged caused."
A department spokesperson added: "Farmers and land managers are advised to take all necessary precautions to ensure that any prescribed burning within the remaining burn period (until 14th April) does not turn into a wildfire incident. When considering prescribed burning, it must be done in a controlled manner and under careful supervision. Prior to any prescribed burn, you are advised to contact NIFRS headquarters (02892664221) to alert them and discuss the details. You should notify NIFRS when you have completed your burning operations."
Area Commander Ryan Thompson, a lead Wildfire Officer with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are asking the public to support their firefighters by not starting fires in the countryside. Not only are these incidents challenging and exhausting for our firefighters, they are also extremely resource intensive. I want to reassure the public that contingency plans are in place and we will continue to respond should you need us in an emergency. Please remember to act safely, be responsible and be vigilant.”
Police, meanwhile, have issued a reminder that deliberate setting of wildfires is a criminal offence and urged the public to call the PSNI immediately if anyone is seen starting a fire.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said: “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. In terms of investigating, we follow all lines of enquiry in relation to deliberate gorse fires and ask anyone with any information about any criminal action to contact police on 101.”
The joint statement, issued on Friday afternoon, also included the following wildfire advice for anyone in the countryside:
Avoid using open fires in the countryside; Only use barbecues in designated areas and never leave them unattended; Ensure that barbecues are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents; Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly; Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows; Be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles. If you are carrying out prescribed burning: Burn within the legally permitted period for prescribed burning; Ensure you have the necessary consents or permissions to carry out the prescribed burning; Ensure Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service are notified of the burn and when the burn is completed; Ensure necessary precautions are in place to contain and manage the burning.The following advice was offered for anyone who sees a fire in the countryside:
Report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service; Do not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with a bucket of water; Leave the area as soon as possible; If you see someone setting fires, report it to the PSNI.For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
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