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17/05/2024
Public Urged To Help Protect Countryside From Wildfires
Following a period of dryer weather, the With dryer weather anticipated, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is reminding the public to help protect our countryside from wildfires.
These fires are commonly caused by human behaviour and are preventable. Last year NIFRS dealt with numerous fires in the countryside, including a major wildfire incident in Glenarrif which lasted 3 days.
NIFRS Group Commander Paul Morrow said: "Every year our Fire & Rescue Service is faced with fires in the countryside that have been devastating to our environment and wildlife, and they ultimately put people's lives at risk. The severity of the incidents, like the major gorse fire incident in Co. Antrim last June, take a massive toll on our resources. We put contingencies in place to ensure our Firefighters are able to respond in all areas across Northern Ireland when they are needed most.
"This puts an added pressure on our Service and our partner agencies who are frequently required to respond alongside us. It is physically exhausting and demanding work for our Firefighters in extreme, high temperatures as it takes hours, and sometimes even days, to put wildfires out.
"Wildfires can be unpredictable and spread fast. They are a threat to wildlife, livestock, environment, property and people.
"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.
"You can help us prevent wildfires by protecting the places we love and staying safe. If you are enjoying the countryside, please be responsible and follow our safety advice. Don't use open fires and don't be careless with smoking materials, barbeques, camping fires or any other types of flame."
Do your part. Follow NIFRS advice to prevent fires in the countryside:
• Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly and don't throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
• Avoid using open fires in the countryside. An open fire can easily get out of control.
• 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.
• 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 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.
These fires are commonly caused by human behaviour and are preventable. Last year NIFRS dealt with numerous fires in the countryside, including a major wildfire incident in Glenarrif which lasted 3 days.
NIFRS Group Commander Paul Morrow said: "Every year our Fire & Rescue Service is faced with fires in the countryside that have been devastating to our environment and wildlife, and they ultimately put people's lives at risk. The severity of the incidents, like the major gorse fire incident in Co. Antrim last June, take a massive toll on our resources. We put contingencies in place to ensure our Firefighters are able to respond in all areas across Northern Ireland when they are needed most.
"This puts an added pressure on our Service and our partner agencies who are frequently required to respond alongside us. It is physically exhausting and demanding work for our Firefighters in extreme, high temperatures as it takes hours, and sometimes even days, to put wildfires out.
"Wildfires can be unpredictable and spread fast. They are a threat to wildlife, livestock, environment, property and people.
"You can help us prevent wildfires by protecting the places we love and staying safe. If you are enjoying the countryside, please be responsible and follow our safety advice. Don't use open fires and don't be careless with smoking materials, barbeques, camping fires or any other types of flame."
Do your part. Follow NIFRS advice to prevent fires in the countryside:
• Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly and don't throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
• Avoid using open fires in the countryside. An open fire can easily get out of control.
• 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.
• 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 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.
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17 July 2001
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THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
02 April 2012
NI's Chief Fire Officer Announces His Retirement
The Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland, Peter Craig, has announced that he is to retire after over 35 years of distinguished Service. Peter Craig is one of the longest serving officers in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and was appointed as Chief Fire Officer in February 2011, having been the acting Chief from July 2010.
NI's Chief Fire Officer Announces His Retirement
The Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland, Peter Craig, has announced that he is to retire after over 35 years of distinguished Service. Peter Craig is one of the longest serving officers in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and was appointed as Chief Fire Officer in February 2011, having been the acting Chief from July 2010.
28 June 2018
Firefighters Continuing To Battle Major Gorse Fire
Firefighters are continuing to tackle an ongoing major gorse fire on the Glenshane Pass in County Londonderry. According to reports, fire crews are being taken to the site, which is in a remote part of the Sperrins near Dungiven, by helicopter. A Command Support Unit and four appliances are also at the scene.
Firefighters Continuing To Battle Major Gorse Fire
Firefighters are continuing to tackle an ongoing major gorse fire on the Glenshane Pass in County Londonderry. According to reports, fire crews are being taken to the site, which is in a remote part of the Sperrins near Dungiven, by helicopter. A Command Support Unit and four appliances are also at the scene.
09 April 2013
NI Fire Service Launches Gorse Fire Appeal
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has released an appeal to the public following the first gorse fires of the year. NIFRS is asking people to think about the consequences of deliberate fire setting in the countryside and mountains. The Service received 548 emergency calls relating to gorse fires in the first 7 days of April alone.
NI Fire Service Launches Gorse Fire Appeal
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has released an appeal to the public following the first gorse fires of the year. NIFRS is asking people to think about the consequences of deliberate fire setting in the countryside and mountains. The Service received 548 emergency calls relating to gorse fires in the first 7 days of April alone.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with scattered showers, some of these could be heavy in the afternoon. Becoming mostly dry by evening with increasing amounts of sunshine. Feeling rather warm. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A bright end to the day with any showers quickly dying out. Dry overnight with long clear spells and light winds. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
