We must stop a repeat of devastating wildfires, says NI Water
30 April 2025 12:04
NI Water has issued a strong appeal to the public to be vigilant over the coming days as the wildfire risk once again increases.
The call comes as the Natural Hazards Partnership has elevated a yellow wildfire risk and said that this is expected to peak on Thursday which also coincides with the highest temperatures this week.
NI Water’s guidance comes after Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) spent two weeks battling hundreds of wildfires across Northern Ireland during a spell of good weather earlier this month.
Becca Allen, NI Water catchment officer, said: “The wildfires earlier this month really pushed back our Mournes restoration work which was ongoing after the devastating wildfires in 2021. Areas where we were seeing green shoots of recovery have since been destroyed, flora and fauna were scorched and species diversity reduced.
“We all need to work together to protect this precious area of outstanding natural beauty. Visitors should not light fires in or around our sites.
“Wildfires not only pose a risk to human life, wildlife and the environment but also our drinking water catchment areas. Activities such as littering, using disposable BBQs and burning waste increases the risk of wildfires, especially when weather conditions are breezy, so special care must be taken.”
Some do’s and don’ts:
- Do not light fires in and around forests or open land
- Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances;
- If you see a fire, gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire
- Telephone the NI Fire and Rescue Service on 999 and report the fire and its location
- Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions
- If you see someone deliberately setting fires, report it to the PSNI immediately as it is a criminal offence
Some friendly advice when enjoying your time in the countryside:
- Leave no trace; please take your rubbish with you
- Never fly-tip waste material
- Extinguish cigarettes and other flammable materials properly
- Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows
- Avoid using open fires
Ends
Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com