Emergency services in Northern Ireland have issued an urgent appeal to the public to be vigilant and responsible during the current dry spell, following a significant increase in wildfires across the region.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are working together to address the issue, which they say is largely due to malicious and deliberate fire lighting.

Last week saw numerous wildfires break out across Northern Ireland, causing damage to various rural areas. Authorities are now urging both residents and visitors to rural locations to be on the lookout for any signs of fire and to report suspicious activity immediately.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir expressed serious concern over the recent surge in incidents, stated: "I am extremely concerned by the recent spate of wildfires across Northern Ireland which is having a devastating impact on the environment and wildlife."

He strongly condemned those responsible, adding: "I'm urging those who have been lighting these malicious and deliberate wildfires to stop immediately. No one should start a fire in the countryside unless it's part of a specific planned and properly managed land management practice."

Minister Muir also highlighted the dangers posed by these fires, not only to the environment but also to human life. "People lighting these fires may be putting their own and others' lives at risk including the fire service personnel and other emergency services tasked to deal with them. I would like to put on record my thanks to emergency services for their preparedness and rapid response which has helped reduce the scale of the damaged caused."

With the current burn period for controlled vegetation fires ending on 14th April, farmers and land managers are being advised to take extra precautions if undertaking any permitted burning. The NIFRS emphasises that any prescribed burning must be conducted in a controlled manner and under close supervision. They also advise that NIFRS headquarters should be contacted on 02892664221 prior to any planned burning to inform them of the details and again upon completion of the operation. Area Commander Ryan Thompson, NIFRS Lead Wildfire Officer, echoed the Minister's sentiments, appealing directly to the public: "We are asking the public to support their firefighters by not starting fires in the countryside. Not only are these incidents challenging and exhausting for our firefighters, they are also extremely resource intensive. I want to reassure the public that contingency plans are in place and we will continue to respond should you need us in an emergency. Please remember to act safely, be responsible and be vigilant."

The public are reminded that deliberately starting wildfires is a criminal offence. The PSNI is urging anyone who witnesses someone setting a fire to contact them immediately.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson stated: "Gorse fires have the potential to cause widespread damage to the environment and harm to wildlife as well as threatening homes, farms and the people living in those areas."

He added: "In terms of investigating, we follow all lines of enquiry in relation to deliberate gorse fires and ask anyone with any information about any criminal action to contact police on 101."

Authorities are urging everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help prevent further damage to the Northern Irish countryside and ensure the safety of communities and emergency service personnel.

If you are in the countryside:

• Avoid using open fires in the countryside;

• Only use barbecues in designated areas and never leave them unattended;

• Ensure that barbecues are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents;

• Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly;

• Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows;

• Be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.

If you are carrying out prescribed burning:

• Burn within the legally permitted period for prescribed burning;

• Ensure you have the necessary consents or permissions to carry out the prescribed burning;

• Ensure Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service are notified of the burn and when the burn is completed;

• Ensure necessary precautions are in place to contain and manage the burning.

If you see a fire:

• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service;

• Do not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with a bucket of water;

• Leave the area as soon as possible;

• If you see someone setting fires, report it to the PSNI.