With drier weather forecast, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is appealing for people to act responsibly when spending time outdoors to help protect the countryside from wildfires.

The Service attended 95 wildfires last year, with 83% attributed to deliberate ignition. Nearly all of these incidents — 93 in total — took place between March and May, when dry vegetation and favourable conditions can accelerate the spread of fire.

NIFRS Wildfire Lead and Area Commander Ryan Thompson said: "Wildfire incidents have the potential to devastate our countryside and put wildlife and our community at risk. They are also extremely resource intensive for our Service. Our Firefighters respond tirelessly to these incidents, often in challenging terrain and high temperatures, but the reality is that most wildfires are preventable.

"With drier weather, we urge everyone enjoying the outdoors to please act responsibly. Avoid lighting open fires in the countryside, use barbecues only in designated, safe areas and never leave them unattended. Remember to take all litter home and ensure cigarettes and smoking materials are fully extinguished before disposing of them properly. When parking, it's vital to keep access routes clear so emergency vehicles can get through if needed. "If you're out enjoying the countryside and you see a fire, call 999 immediately and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service. Don't assume that someone else has made the call. Leave the area as quickly as possible and get to safety. Please do not attempt to tackle a fire yourself if it can't be extinguished with a bucket of water and if you witness deliberate fire setting, report it to the PSNI as it is a crime.

"We are continuing to work closely with our partner agencies through the Wildfire Action Plan to reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires. This coordinated approach ensures our Firefighters are ready to respond to incidents in their local areas to protect lives and the environment.

"The responsibility of protecting our countryside belongs to all of us, so we must work together to prevent these devastating fires from starting in the first place."

Key safety advice from NIFRS includes:

- Fully extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials; never discard them on the ground or from vehicles.

- Do not light open fires in the countryside — they can quickly get out of control.

- Never leave glass bottles in woodland or grassland; sunlight can start fires.

- Take all glass and other litter home or put it in a bin.

- Keep matches, lighters and open flames away from children.

- Only use barbecues in suitable, designated places and never leave them unattended.

- Make sure barbecues are completely out and cold before disposing of the contents.

- Do not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with a bucket of water — leave the area immediately.

- If you see a fire in the countryside, dial 999 and ask for the Fire & Rescue Service.

- Report anyone deliberately starting fires to the PSNI.