28/03/2023
Future Management Of Wildfires Consultation Launched
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has launched a public consultation on the development of a new Strategic Way Forward for the future management of Wildfires in Northern Ireland.
The 12-week consultation closes on 20 June 2023 and the views of all stakeholders and interested parties are welcomed.
Mark Hammond, NIEA's Director of Natural Environment Division said: "Wildfires are a threat to people, property, wildlife and the countryside and efforts to fight them are a drain on the public resources. Wildfires in Northern Ireland impact on large areas of landscape, particularly in heather or gorse dominated upland areas. These fires destroy biodiversity and affect air quality and water resources. It is key that we are as best placed as possible to face the wildfires challenge and this strategy aims to achieve that."
The Strategic Way Forward outlines five strategic goals based around six key themes for how the Northern Ireland wildfire problem should be addressed. These key themes include Governance; Engagement; Land Management; Response; Policy, Legislation and Enforcement; and Evidence.
The NIEA are keen to have as many responses as possible to the questions posed throughout the Plan and would encourage everyone to contribute. We look forward to hearing your views as these will help shape the final document setting out the way forward regarding wildfires in Northern Ireland and will help inform the development of associated actions.
Full details of the consultation on the Wildfires in Northern Ireland, Draft Strategic Way Forward are available on the DAERA website.
The 12-week consultation closes on 20 June 2023 and the views of all stakeholders and interested parties are welcomed.
Mark Hammond, NIEA's Director of Natural Environment Division said: "Wildfires are a threat to people, property, wildlife and the countryside and efforts to fight them are a drain on the public resources. Wildfires in Northern Ireland impact on large areas of landscape, particularly in heather or gorse dominated upland areas. These fires destroy biodiversity and affect air quality and water resources. It is key that we are as best placed as possible to face the wildfires challenge and this strategy aims to achieve that."
The Strategic Way Forward outlines five strategic goals based around six key themes for how the Northern Ireland wildfire problem should be addressed. These key themes include Governance; Engagement; Land Management; Response; Policy, Legislation and Enforcement; and Evidence.
The NIEA are keen to have as many responses as possible to the questions posed throughout the Plan and would encourage everyone to contribute. We look forward to hearing your views as these will help shape the final document setting out the way forward regarding wildfires in Northern Ireland and will help inform the development of associated actions.
Full details of the consultation on the Wildfires in Northern Ireland, Draft Strategic Way Forward are available on the DAERA website.
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10 April 2025
No Currently Active Wildfires – NIFRS
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09 October 2025
DAERA Launches Wildfires Strategic Framework 2030
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has launched Northern Ireland's first Wildfires Strategic Framework, a plan running until 2030 designed to significantly reduce the threat of countryside wildfires. The framework, launched on Thursday, 9 October 2025, is structured around five core objectives: prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and enforcement.
DAERA Launches Wildfires Strategic Framework 2030
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31 March 2025
Authorities Urge Vigilance As Wildfires Sweep Across NI
Emergency services in Northern Ireland have issued an urgent appeal to the public to be vigilant and responsible during the current dry spell, following a significant increase in wildfires across the region.
Authorities Urge Vigilance As Wildfires Sweep Across NI
Emergency services in Northern Ireland have issued an urgent appeal to the public to be vigilant and responsible during the current dry spell, following a significant increase in wildfires across the region.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Southern areas will stay dry with variable cloud and some clear spells. The north will see a few light showers at times along with some clear intervals. Minimum temperature 5 °C.