Northern Ireland

Public asked to `act responsibly' over Bank Holiday weekend following recent fire in the Mournes

Members of the public who are planning to visit rural areas over the Bank Holiday weekend were last night urged to "act responsibly" following the recent fire in the Mournes. Picture by Declan Roughan
Members of the public who are planning to visit rural areas over the Bank Holiday weekend were last night urged to "act responsibly" following the recent fire in the Mournes. Picture by Declan Roughan Members of the public who are planning to visit rural areas over the Bank Holiday weekend were last night urged to "act responsibly" following the recent fire in the Mournes. Picture by Declan Roughan

PEOPLE planning to visit rural areas over the Bank Holiday weekend were last night urged to "act responsibly" following the recent fire in the Mournes.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (Daera), police, fire service and Ulster Farmers Union, have also asked farmers and land managers for their help during the current dry weather spell.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots said last weekend's blaze in the Mournes showed "how quickly a wildfire can spread creating significant 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 COVID-19 restrictions starting to relax and people travelling to see friends, family and enjoy the countryside, the need for responsible behaviour and increased vigilance at this time cannot be overstated, " he said.

"The wildfire risk increases with members of the public taking advantage to get back into the countryside.

"The use of barbecues, camp fires and other open ignition sources should be avoided in or near areas where there is a risk of a vegetation fire starting (areas with gorse, forestry, heather or dry grasses)".

The minister added: "On behalf of all partner organisations I am asking the public, farmers, rural dwellers and other countryside users to be extremely vigilant regarding the use of fire".