By Ryan Sands
A LONG-ANTICIPATED action plan that aims to tackle the “increasing threat of wildfires” has been launched.
Last Wednesday (1 April), DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) Minister Andrew Muir published the document – ‘Wildfires in Northern Ireland: Strategic Framework Action Plan 2026-2030’ – which seeks to prevent a recurrence of the fires that have caused widespread devastation, including in the Mournes, in recent years.
Produced through a multi-agency approach, the plan lays out how partners from the Northern Ireland Strategic Wildfire Group and the Wildfire Stakeholder Forum will “work collectively” to deliver it.
A DAERA statement said that the plan “focuses on five main objectives of prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and enforcement” that are “supported by 35 key areas of development, which, taken together, should ensure regional capability to address the issue of wildfires is enhanced”.
In the document’s foreword, Mr Muir wrote that “wildfires present a growing threat to the landscapes, biodiversity, property, local infrastructure and the lives of communities of Northern Ireland”, and that “it is essential that we are proactive, prepared and resilient in our approach to wildfire management”.
“Our vision is to create a wildfire-resilient Northern Ireland where communities, agencies and landowners work collaboratively to reduce the incidence and severity of wildfires, protect life and the environment, and respond effectively to wildfire incidents,” he continued.
“Developed in partnership with wildfire stakeholders, this accompanying action plan details a set of coordinated actions that will seek to manage and reduce wildfire risks in the countryside and in the rural/urban interfaces.”
The minister added that the document “reflects a collaborative approach, involving key stakeholders, including local government, emergency services, landowners and environmental organisations, all working together to deliver a coordinated, effective approach”.
“Draft timescales have been set out with appropriate prioritisation and opportunity to proceed on delivery of actions earlier as resources permit,” he noted.
“The implementation of the action plan will deliver practical measures and activities to improve wildfire prevention, preparedness, detection and response, while ensuring that we continue to learn, adapt and innovate in line with the latest research and best practices.
“Together, we can reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure that Northern Ireland remains a beautiful, safe and vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
In the full article read what the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said about the plan.
To read the digital edition, download the Mourne Observer app
