Northern Ireland environment bosses have launched a public consultation on their new plan to address wildfires.
Vast swathes of vital wildlife habitat are burned to the ground every year by what Northern Ireland wildfire chief, Mark Smyth, described as "environmental arsonists".
Wildfires cost millions, tie up NIFRS and are a significant threat to people and wildlife.
Read more: Wildfire chief slams 'environmental arsonists' after Belfast and Mournes blazes
The consultation document outlines how 3,000 wildfires costing some £8 million in 2011 prompted the development of an Interdepartmental Group and Stakeholder Group which came up with some ideas - but since the blight has continued, they say "more needs to be done".
Their 12-week consultation closes on June 20 and hopes to gather the view of all stakeholders and interested parties before informing future management of the ongoing issue.
Mark Hammond, NIEA’s Director of Natural Environment Division, said: "Wildfires are a threat to people, property, wildlife and the countryside and efforts to fight them are a drain on the public resources. Wildfires in Northern Ireland impact on large areas of landscape, particularly in heather or gorse dominated upland areas.
"These fires destroy biodiversity and affect air quality and water resources. It is key that we are as best placed as possible to face the wildfires challenge and this strategy aims to achieve that."
The 'Strategic Way Forward' outlines five goals, which are:
- Reduce the number of wildfires
- Lessen the impact of wildfires on the environment, society and the economy
- Have a framework for partnership working and shared resources for wildfire prevention, strategic planning and interagency response
- Build resilience into those landscapes and habitats most susceptible to wildfire and reduce the risk and/or severity of wildfires
- Have communities that are aware and prepared for wildfire events
They are based around six key themes for how the Northern Ireland wildfire problem should be addressed, including Governance; Engagement; Land Management; Response; Policy, Legislation and Enforcement; and Evidence.
NIEA says it is keen to get as many responses as possible to questions posed in the plan and are encouraging everyone to contribute.
Suggestions include:
Review wildfire related land management and existing legislation on burning of vegetation
- Educating specific groups on the dangers of wildfires
- Issue Wildfire Risk Alerts
- New policies on conservation and agricultural management in areas at risk of wildfires
- Increased surveillance, mapping and develop an information database
- Review need for specialist equipment
- Develop an interagency response
- Increase wildfire investigation capabilities
A five year strategic plan to deliver on the issue
- Developing a Northern Ireland wildfire stakeholder forum
- Forming local wildfire groups to work with landowners and managers
A spokesperson for NIEA said: "We look forward to hearing your views as these will help shape the final document setting out the way forward regarding wildfires in Northern Ireland and will help inform the development of associated actions."
Full details of the consultation on the Wildfires in Northern Ireland, Draft Strategic Way Forward are available on the DAERA website at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-wildfires-northern-ireland-draft-strategic-way-forward
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