DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has published the Wildfires Action Plan to 2030, a comprehensive multi-agency strategy designed to tackle the increasing threat of wildfires across Northern Ireland.

The plan, developed as part of the Wildfires Strategic Framework, focuses on five core objectives: prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and enforcement. These are supported by 35 key development areas intended to enhance regional capability and protect homes, businesses, and vital habitats.

The delivery of the plan will be managed by the Northern Ireland Strategic Wildfire Group and the Wildfire Stakeholder Forum. Minister Muir highlighted the urgency of the initiative, noting the "devastating consequences" witnessed in recent years.

"The Wildfire Action Plan lays out how we will work together to reduce wildfire risk by implementing specific actions over the years ahead," Minister Muir said. "Its implementation will help make our communities more resilient by raising awareness of the dangers and providing the tools to adapt to and mitigate wildfire risks." NIFRS Area Commander and Strategic Wildfire Lead, Ryan Thompson, added: "This wildfire action plan sets out a new approach to reduce their frequency and severity to help protect lives, the environment and make Northern Ireland safer. With spring beginning, we urge the public to follow our safety advice when visiting the countryside."

As a key part of the plan's rollout, DAERA has appointed the Pau Costa Foundation, a world-renowned non-profit based in Catalonia, to lead the Wildfire Recovery Project. Supported by the Carrier Bag Levy, this three-year project will focus on improving resilience in high-risk areas, including:

The Eastern Mournes (ASSI and SAC)

The North Antrim Hills (SPA)

Carn/Glenshane Pass (SAC)

The project will involve extensive engagement with local landowners, the Ulster Farmers' Union, NI Water, and the Forest Service.

Jordi Vendrell, General Director of the Pau Costa Foundation, praised the local initiative: "Northern Ireland is highly advanced in wildfire management and strategic planning, and the implementation of projects like this clearly demonstrates that leadership. Initiatives of this kind also create an important opportunity to connect knowledge and experience from different parts of Europe."

The foundation was established in memory of Pau Costa Alcubierre, a firefighter who lost his life in a forest fire in 2009, and remains dedicated to improving safety and fire ecology management globally.