Stop the Wildfires in Northern Ireland
Two major wildfires in the past fortnight (one in Silent Valley and another across the Tyrone/Monaghan border at Sliagh Beagh) have scorched thousands of acres of peat, heath and young woodland. Fire crews battled each blaze for days, often beating flames by hand because water tankers couldn’t reach the remote hillsides. The result? Charred habitats, long-term peat damage, higher water-treatment costs and a decade-long recovery for plants and wildlife.
The truth is that most wildfires in Northern Ireland start with human behaviour. Often these are legal fires which get out of control, but it can happen just as easily – particularly with the hote dry weather Northern Ireland is receiving at the present – from an unattended barbecue or a cigarette butt.
We have the power to detect and raise the alarm for the first type, and avoid the second type altogether.
The Right Side of Outside principles advise around exactly these topics, including:
- No fires or disposable BBQs in forests, open heath or upland grass. Even a small flame can race through dry gorse.
- Take all litter home—glass bottles and aluminium cans can magnify sunlight and spark tinder-dry vegetation.
- Check the weather and wildfire warnings (yellow, amber, red). If an amber or red alert is in place, choose a lower-risk destination such as a managed park or beach.
- Park considerately so emergency vehicles can get through, and report any sign of fire immediately by dialling 999.
Organisations such as the Mourne Heritage Trust, NI Water’s source-protection teams and community litter squads are now planting seed mixes and stabilising bare peat to speed recovery, but full restoration can take ten years.
Help us share the Right Side of Outside messaging, which will in turn help to protect wildlife, water quality and the places we all love to roam.
