Amber warning for wildfires issued for Northern Ireland

An amber warning has been issued for wildfires in Northern Ireland on Thursday with dry and breezy conditions heightening the risk of a blaze.

The Natural Hazards Partnership raised the warning from yellow on Wednesday with Northern Ireland Water appealing for people to exercise caution.

The alert follows a recent gorse fire in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, which firefighters believe was started deliberately.

On Monday about 60 firefighters and seven appliances were deployed to tackle the blaze.

On Wednesday, Northern Ireland Water emphasised the dangers associated with littering, using disposable barbecues, and burning waste, all of which can ignite wildfires.

“Fine, dry weather is forecast for the rest of this week, and the Natural Hazards Partnership has indicated that a stronger breeze could heighten the potential for wildfires to spread,” said the agency’s Rebecca Allen.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service also urged the public to be careful.

The fire service said that such fires are “commonly caused by human behaviour” and are preventable and urged anyone who sees a fire in the countryside to call 999.

“These fires can be unpredictable and spread fast, especially during dry weather,” said Group Commander Paul Morrow.

“Not only does this have a devastating impact on our environment and wildlife but it puts people’s lives at risk,” he added.

He said people should avoid using open fires and extinguish smoking materials, barbeques, camping fires and any other type of flame.

Northern Ireland is expected to remain dry and sunny with milder than normal conditions on Thursday, with breezy conditions exacerbating the wildfire threat.

Windier conditions could lead to more challenging conditions to control.

Friday too is expected to be mainly dry and breezy before it becomes more unsettled with outbreaks of rain this weekend.