The public are being urged to act responsibly when enjoying the
countryside during this week's good weather and over the coming
months to reduce the risk of further wildfires.
The Health and Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Ministers have met and personally thanked Northern Ireland Fire
& Rescue Service (NIFRS) firefighters, regional control room
personnel and support employees involved in fighting the recent
wildfires.
and visited both NIFRS
headquarters in Lisburn and attended a drill night at
Ballynahinch Station.
Health Minister said: “It has been a
privilege to have the opportunity to meet the NIFRS personnel and
firefighters that were involved in tackling the recent gorse and
wildfires which ravaged large areas in recent weeks, severely
impacting our communities and natural environment.
“My thoughts have been with those who were evacuated from
their homes, and whose lives and livelihoods were put at risk
following these events. But foremost also in my mind has been the
frontline emergency services fighting to bring these fires under
control.
“Their tremendous work was a testament to the resilience,
bravery and dedication of our emergency services. The scale
of the challenges faced by the crews and partners, in the face of
extremely dangerous conditions, served as a reminder of their
unwavering commitment to public safety. I wish to express my
sincere gratitude for all their efforts.
“I would ask anyone looking to enjoy the countryside over
this current period of good weather and during the coming months
to do so responsibly and to be vigilant to the risks of
wildfires.”
Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister said: “I am very
grateful to have been given the opportunity to thank firefighters
in person for their tireless work alongside all other first
responders in responding to these fires. The scale of the
destruction wreaked upon our countryside was heartbreaking to
see.
“These fires caused a devastating impact on wildlife,
flora and fauna, risked livestock and impacted both local
residents and businesses. That damage however was undoubtedly
greatly reduced by the preparedness of all agencies involved with
great expertise and courage displayed. DAERA was able to support
the efforts with the NIEA on site and specialist All-Terrain
Vehicles with portable pumps deployed.
“As we face into the months ahead I would once again
appeal to everyone using the countryside we all cherish to
exercise care and play their part in reducing the burden on our
emergency services. We all have a responsibility to prevent a
recurrence of these devastating fires.”
Between 3 April and 13 April, NIFRS received 2,762 fire calls to
their Regional Control Centre and mobilised to 1,499 of these,
with 390 of them relating to gorse and wildfire incidents.
The fires occurred concurrently and over a large area, including
wildfires reported at Bloody Bridge in Newcastle, Silent Valley
near Kilkeel, Sawel Mountain near Newtownstewart and in Dervock
in County Antrim, with a major incident declared in the Mourne
Mountains. A significant number were believed to have been
started deliberately, with hundreds of firefighters and other
emergency personnel involved in the response.
During the visit, the Ministers met staff from the regional
control room, support employees as well as firefighters directly
involved in the wildfire response. They met Ballynahinch On-Call
firefighters, one of several NIFRS On Call stations in the Newry,
Mourne & Down council area who were critical to NIFRS
response over the wildfire period.
Aidan Jennings, NIFRS Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, said: “I
would like to express my gratitude to Minister Nesbitt and
Minister Muir for their support and recognising the tremendous
efforts of our Fire & Rescue Service during the recent
wildfires.
“Our firefighters worked tirelessly under very challenging and
exhausting conditions to bring the fires under control. Behind
the scenes our control room operators and many support employees
ensured that our response was swift, coordinated and effective.
Their commitment in such difficult circumstances was exceptional
and I am extremely proud of the dedication of our people.
“As we anticipate more good weather in the days ahead, I would
urge the public to act safely when enjoying the countryside to
help reduce the risk of wildfires.”
Notes to editors:
1. Please adhere to the following advice to prevent fires in the
countryside:
- Avoid using open fires in the countryside. An open fire can
easily get out of control.
- Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly
and don't throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car
windows.
- Only use barbeques in a suitable and safe area and never
leave them unattended.
- Ensure barbeques are fully extinguished and cold before
disposing of their contents.
- Don't leave bottles or glass in woodland or grassland. Take
them home or dispose in a waste or recycling bin.
- Be considerate in parking vehicles so you don't impede access
for emergency vehicles.
- Keep children away from lighters, matches and open fires.
- Don't attempt to tackle fires that can't be extinguished with
a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
- If you see a fire in the countryside, report it to NIFRS
immediately by calling 999.
- If you see someone setting fires, report it to the PSNI.
