Northern Ireland Firefighters Prepare for More Wildfires Amid Rising Temperatures
Emergency services have responded to nearly 150 wildfires in just three days, with concerns escalating over deliberate ignitions.
Firefighters in Northern Ireland are preparing for additional wildfires as they have responded to nearly 150 blazes in a span of three days.
Commanders at the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) report that a significant proportion of these fires were started deliberately.
An amber wildfire warning has been issued and will remain in place until the end of the week, coinciding with a forecasted rise in temperatures, which could further escalate the situation.
Area Commander David Harbinson emphasized that continued dry weather is a critical factor contributing to the heightened risk of ignitions.
The incidents include a major wildfire in the Hilltown area near the Mourne Mountains in County Down, which has been described as one of the most significant in years.
A major incident was declared as over 100 firefighters and 15 fire appliances engaged in containment efforts under challenging conditions, including high winds.
Residents from nearby roads were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in relation to this fire but has since been released on bail.
Significant wildfires also erupted in the Ben Crom and Silent Valley areas of the Mourne Mountains over the weekend.
On Monday, firefighters continued to combat another gorse fire at Bloody Bridge, outside Newcastle in County Down.
Commander Harbinson indicated that the situation may require increased resources to address the ongoing fires effectively.
In addition to the wildfires in the Mourne Mountains, another significant blaze occurred in Garry Wood, near Dervock in County Antrim, on Sunday.
Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister, Andrew Muir, expressed grave concerns about the possibility of lives being lost, homes being destroyed, and severe environmental consequences if the trend of rural arson persists.
During a visit to the Mourne Mountains, he outlined the need for a strategic approach to managing wildfires, including revisiting policies on prescribed burning periods in rural areas.
Minister Muir highlighted the importance of a cooperative effort among various agencies, praising the response from the Fire and Rescue Service, police, and environmental organizations.
He called on the public to report any suspicious activities related to the wildfires, acknowledging the challenge of doing so but emphasizing its necessity in preventing future incidents.
Commanders at the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) report that a significant proportion of these fires were started deliberately.
An amber wildfire warning has been issued and will remain in place until the end of the week, coinciding with a forecasted rise in temperatures, which could further escalate the situation.
Area Commander David Harbinson emphasized that continued dry weather is a critical factor contributing to the heightened risk of ignitions.
The incidents include a major wildfire in the Hilltown area near the Mourne Mountains in County Down, which has been described as one of the most significant in years.
A major incident was declared as over 100 firefighters and 15 fire appliances engaged in containment efforts under challenging conditions, including high winds.
Residents from nearby roads were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in relation to this fire but has since been released on bail.
Significant wildfires also erupted in the Ben Crom and Silent Valley areas of the Mourne Mountains over the weekend.
On Monday, firefighters continued to combat another gorse fire at Bloody Bridge, outside Newcastle in County Down.
Commander Harbinson indicated that the situation may require increased resources to address the ongoing fires effectively.
In addition to the wildfires in the Mourne Mountains, another significant blaze occurred in Garry Wood, near Dervock in County Antrim, on Sunday.
Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister, Andrew Muir, expressed grave concerns about the possibility of lives being lost, homes being destroyed, and severe environmental consequences if the trend of rural arson persists.
During a visit to the Mourne Mountains, he outlined the need for a strategic approach to managing wildfires, including revisiting policies on prescribed burning periods in rural areas.
Minister Muir highlighted the importance of a cooperative effort among various agencies, praising the response from the Fire and Rescue Service, police, and environmental organizations.
He called on the public to report any suspicious activities related to the wildfires, acknowledging the challenge of doing so but emphasizing its necessity in preventing future incidents.
