An amber wildfire warning for Northern Ireland has been issued with dry and windy conditions increasing the risk of a blaze.
The Natural Hazards Partnership announced on Wednesday it has upgraded its wildfire warning from yellow to amber, and Northern Ireland Water appealing to the public to be aware of potential dangers of littering, using disposable BBQs, and burning waste.
It comes after a gorse fire in the Mourne Mountains earlier this week, with the fire service believing the blaze was started deliberately. On Monday over 60 firefighters and seven fire appliances were deployed to tackle the fire in Castlewellan.
Read more: NIFRS issues wildfire warning after major blaze in Mournes area
Read more: Mourne Mountains rescue as walker ends up in "exceptionally dangerous position"
Northern Ireland Water has said wildfires can pose a risk to human life, wildlife, property and the environment, as well as to drinking water catchment areas.
NI Water Catchment Liaison Officer Rebecca Allen said: “Fine dry weather is forecast for the rest of this week and the Natural Hazards Partnership are saying a stronger breeze on Friday will bring an increased risk for potential wildfires to spread.
“If you see someone deliberately setting fires, report it to the PSNI immediately as it is a criminal offence.”
NIFRS Group Commander Paul Morrow said: “Every year our Fire & Rescue Service is faced with fires in the countryside. These fires can be unpredictable and spread fast, especially during dry weather.
“Not only does this have a devastating impact on our environment and wildlife but it puts people’s lives at risk. The severity of the incidents puts an added pressure on our Service and partner agencies who are working in extreme, high temperatures to put wildfires out.
“Very often these fires are started deliberately. Purposely setting a wildfire is a criminal offence. If you see someone intentionally setting a fire please report it immediately by calling 999.
“The responsibility of preventing fires belongs to all of us and we all need to do our part in protecting our beautiful countryside and green spaces. Please avoid using open fires and extinguish smoking materials, barbeques, camping fires and any other type of flame.”
Top tips for enjoying the outdoors responsibly to reduce the risk of wildfires:
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 offenceFor all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
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