As warm, dry conditions persist, a high wildfire hazard risk has prompted a joint appeal from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), and the police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The agencies are urging the public to exercise extreme vigilance to prevent further outbreaks.

The call for public cooperation comes as NIFRS leads a multi-agency response to a notable wildfire in the Slieve Beagh area of County Tyrone. The blaze has already caused substantial damage, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures.

MinisterS Plea: Protect Life, Property, and Environment

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir emphasized the severity of the situation, stating:

The current fire near Clogher is another stark reminder on how quickly they can spread, creating significant risk to life and property while causing extensive environmental damage.
Andrew Muir, DAERA Minister

Muir further detailed the environmental impact of the Tyrone fire, noting that it has:

torn through approximately a third of a precious protected site which includes a Special Area of Conservation for the endangered Hen Harrier during nesting season as well as crucial blanket bog habitat.
Andrew muir, DAERA Minister

Given the forecast for continued dry weather, Minister Muir implored the public to:

heed the elevated hazard warning issued, remain extra vigilant to fires in our countryside and report to the Police or Crimestoppers anyone you know involved in deliberate and malicious fires.
Andrew Muir, DAERA Minister

He also stressed the importance of community cooperation in identifying those responsible for malicious fires, adding:

Those who know the individuals involved must come forward and help us apprehend the culprits wreaking destruction across our countryside.
Andrew Muir,DAERA minister

Minister muir concluded with a stark warning about the potential consequences of unchecked fires:

Once ignited,fire can spread rapidly,especially in areas with dead grasses,gorse,forestry and heather. Large areas can become engulfed in a very short period of time putting life,property and wildlife at real risk. This activity must stop before someone is killed or injured.
Andrew muir, DAERA Minister

Fire Service and Police echo Vigilance Call

Area Commander Barry Ross of NIFRS highlighted the strain wildfires place on resources, stating:

With the dry weather set to continue over the next few days we are asking the public to support thier Firefighters by staying safe from fire in the countryside. Dealing with wildfires is not only challenging and physically demanding for our Firefighters, it is indeed extremely resource intensive for our Service and partner agencies. If you are enjoying the weather this weekend, please do so responsibly and follow our safety advice.
Area Commander Barry Ross, NIFRS

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson emphasized the potential for widespread damage and the criminal nature of deliberately set fires:

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.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson

Henderson also cautioned that those starting fires are putting themselves and emergency responders at risk:

The unpredictability of fire can also mean that those causing them may be putting their own lives at risk as well as the lives of the fire service personnel and other emergency services tasked to deal with them.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson

He concluded by reminding the public of the legal consequences of arson:

I would remind the public that deliberate setting of wildfires is a criminal offence and if you see anyone setting a fire you should contact us promptly.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson

Anyone caught deliberately setting a wildfire will be prosecuted to the full extend that the law allows.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson

Safety Guidelines and Precautions

• Exercise common sense in the countryside.
• Avoid lighting fires of any kind.
• Park vehicles considerately, ensuring access for emergency vehicles.
• Report any fires immediately to Northern Ireland Fire & rescue service; do not attempt to tackle them yourself.

Extra caution is also advised regarding machinery use and agricultural activities. Operators should ensure equipment is well-maintained, with heat insulation intact, to minimize fire risk. Farmers and landowners are reminded that the prescribed burning window is now closed.