ONCE AGAIN, dry spring weather is raising the risk of wildfires in the UK countryside.

Mindful of the weather patterns of recent years, where wet winters have abruptly given way to a long rainless spring with drying winds, turning the previous year's dead vegetation into tinder, Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and its Fire and Rescue Service this week reminded both residents and visitors in rural areas that wildfires are not natural – they are almost always started by humans either deliberately or through carelessness.

DAERA minister Edwin Poots said: “We all saw the damage that was done in the Mournes last year and must take action to avoid any repeat of this. Everyone needs to act responsibly and remain vigilant to wildfire.

“Wildfires are a risk to life and property while causing extensive environmental damage and diverting the emergency services resources away from where they are most needed, protecting and serving the community.

“With the current conditions set to last into next week, any ignition source in hazardous fuels may give rise to wildfire development," warmed Mr Poots. "Such a fire can spread very quickly, especially in areas with dead grasses, gorse, forestry and heather. Large areas can become engulfed in a very short period of time and may be hazardous to human life, property and wildlife.”

Group Commander Mark Smyth, of the NIFRS, said: “With the dry weather set to continue we are asking the public to support their firefighters by not starting fires in the countryside. Dealing with wildfires unnecessarily draws our resources away from where they are needed most – protecting our community. They also cause significant damage to wildlife and the environment.”

Chief Superintendent Wendy Middleton added: “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.

“The unpredictability of fire can also mean that those causing them may be putting their own lives at risk as well as the lives of the fire service personnel and other emergency services tasked to deal with them.

“There can also be untold consequences to tying up crucial emergency resources that may be needed elsewhere."

Farmers and land managers are advised to take all necessary precautions to ensure that any prescribed burning within the remaining burn period – in Northern Ireland, muirburn season ends on April 14, while in Scotland, it ends one day later – does not turn into a wildfire incident. When considering prescribed burning it must be done in a controlled manner and under careful supervision. Prior to any prescribed burn, landowners you are advised to contact Fire and Rescue Services to alert them and discuss the details.

The public are also urged to exercise common sense in the countryside by never leaving BBQs or camp fires unattended, and extinguishing them fully when finished with them. Although it should go without saying, the public is also reminded never to throw cigarette ends out of car windows.