Northern Ireland Water (NI Water) has issued a strong appeal for public vigilance regarding wildfire risk over the coming days, as dry conditions increase the danger.

The call comes after the Natural Hazards Partnership elevated the wildfire risk level to yellow with the highest temperatures forecasted for this week. This renewed warning follows a period earlier this month where the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) battled hundreds of wildfires across the country during a spell of good weather.

NI Water's catchment officer, Becca Allen, highlighted the recent damage caused by fires, particularly in areas recovering from previous incidents. "The wildfires earlier this month really pushed back our Mournes restoration work which was ongoing after the devastating wildfires in 2021. Areas where we were seeing green shoots of recovery have since been destroyed, flora and fauna were scorched and species diversity reduced," she said. Ms Allen stressed the need for collective responsibility in protecting vulnerable landscapes. "We all need to work together to protect this precious area of outstanding natural beauty. Visitors should not light fires in or around our sites."

She added: "Wildfires not only pose a risk to human life, wildlife and the environment but also our drinking water catchment areas. Activities such as littering, using disposable BBQs and burning waste increases the risk of wildfires, especially when weather conditions are breezy, so special care must be taken."

NI Water advises the public to follow these guidelines:

• Do not light fires in or around forests or open land.

• Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires yourself.

• If you encounter a fire, gather your group and move to a safe, fuel-free location (like a car park) upwind of the blaze.

• Immediately phone the NI Fire and Rescue Service on 999, providing the fire's location.

• Follow all instructions from emergency services, including evacuation orders.

• Report anyone seen deliberately setting fires to the PSNI immediately, as this is a criminal offence.

General advice for enjoying the countryside responsibly includes:

• Leave no trace: take all rubbish home with you.

• Never fly-tip waste.

• Extinguish cigarettes and flammable materials properly.

• Never discard cigarette ends from car windows.

• Avoid using open fires.