Latest news with #NationalHazardsPartnership
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Wildfire warnings for NI as high temperatures continue
New warnings for wildfires have been issued as high temperatures are set to is a yellow warning for wildfires from the National Hazards Partnership in place from Thursday across Northern Ireland, meaning there is a likelihood of manageable warning is set to be elevated to amber on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, meaning an increased risk of difficult-to-control Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has appealed for people to follow advice to keep Northern Ireland safe from wildfires. This includes no BBQs or campfires in the countryside and to not drop cigarettes or matches. A prolonged spell of dry, sunny, and warm weather is set to last into next climbed into the low 20s on Tuesday in the west, well above the May average of high pressure dominating, this trend is set to continue for the rest of this week, and over the coming days will seen plenty of sunshine with temperatures climbing close to the mid-20s inland and towards the areas will typically be cooler with thermometers reaching the mid-to high weekend will offer more of the same with temperatures of about 23-24C in the west, and around 18C along the ahead, the settled weather is set to persist into early next week although there is some uncertainty later in the week as high pressure begins to shift. The RNLI has warned of the dangers of entering the water during spells of good Byrne, RNLI water safety lead, urged the public to be aware of the dangers, know their limits and not to take risks. "Go with others and look out for each other. Make sure your phone is charged so you can call for help if you come across anyone who needs it," she said. Swimmers have also been warned of the dangers of being tempted to swim in quarry in quarries can be extremely cold, deep and contain hidden hazards such as abandoned machinery and ledges. Hosepipe ban In the Republic of Ireland, where similar conditions are persisting, several areas are under hosepipe ban include Mildford in Donegal, Mulligan in Westmeath, and Kells-Oldcastle in County Meath. Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) has urged communities across Donegal to make every effort to conserve and reduce water usage. Meanwhile residents on County Galway's Inis Óirr are facing night time restrictions in order to protect the island's water supply.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Amber wildfire warning issued as dry weather continues
Northern Ireland is facing an increased risk of wildfires as dry and sunny weather stretches into next week. The National Hazards Partnership has issued an amber wildfire warning this weekend, highlighting the likelihood of fires that could be difficult to control. Ground conditions are already very dry, with no rain recorded so far in April for most areas. This follows a record-dry March, which saw just 27.0mm of rainfall – 31% of the monthly average. Easterly winds will continue to dry out vegetation and temperatures are expected to climb towards the low 20C next week. The amber warning also covers parts of England, Wales, and southern Scotland, reflecting growing concern as the dry spell continues with no significant rainfall in sight. In the Republic of Ireland, a Condition Orange fire warning – also the second-highest level – has been issued. The Irish government's notice warns of "a high fire risk in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels like heather and gorse exist". It also highlights how fire behaviour can be intensified by low humidity, gusty winds, and recent fires linked to turf cutting and illegal dumping. The weekend will remain dry and sunny, with high pressure continuing to dominate the forecast at least through the middle of next week. Some wildfires reported in the Mourne Mountains in recent weeks are thought to have been started deliberately. Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir described the blazes as having a devastating impact on the environment and wildlife. "No one should start a fire in the countryside unless it's part of a specific planned and properly managed land management practice. "People lighting these fires may be putting their own and others' lives at risk including the fire service personnel and other emergency services tasked to deal with them," he said. Five wildfires have already been reported in the Mourne Mountains in recent weeks. NI Water is warning of the long-lasting impact fires can have on both the environment and drinking water supplies. "Wildfires don't just damage wildlife and habitats," said Becca Allen, Catchment Officer at NI Water. "When a wildfire happens it also removes the primary layer of vegetation, leaving the burned bare soil to make its way into reservoirs which provide our drinking water. "This requires a lot of resources to remove at the water treatment stage. We all have our part to play in protecting the environment and enjoy our time in the countryside responsibly". The utility company is reminding the public that water catchment areas must be protected — particularly during prolonged dry spells. In line with guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), authorities are issuing clear guidance: Never light fires or barbecues in open countryside Fully extinguish cigarettes and never discard them outdoors Report fires or suspicious activity immediately by dialling 999 Take rubbish home to avoid accidental ignition Avoid using disposable barbecues, especially in high-risk areas Jon Charters, Wildfire Lead at the NFCC, said the public plays a key role in prevention. "With the current conditions, we are urging the public to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of fires starting. "Many of these incidents are preventable, and we need everyone to play their part in keeping our countryside and open spaces safe." With another dry weekend expected, police in Newry, Mourne and Down have urged the public to enjoy local beauty spots safely. Local officers have been carrying out increased officer patrols using 4x4s, motorcycles, quads and air support to monitor remote areas. Supt Norman Haslett warned that gorse fires can cause severe environmental damage and pose serious risks to life and property. He said that "more often than not, they are caused by human activity - whether this is through carelessness and inattention, or deliberate and malicious fire setting". "Deliberately setting a wildfire is a criminal offence for which you can be prosecuted," Supt Haslett added. Police have asked the public to act responsibly and report any suspicious activity. Firefighters tackle two gorse fires in County Armagh Firefighters put out Mourne Mountains gorse fire More than 60 firefighters tackled three blazes on Slieve Binnian Firefighters tackle large gorse fire in Ballymoney
BBC News
05-04-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Amber wildfire warning issued as dry and sunny weather continues
Northern Ireland is facing an increased risk of wildfires as dry and sunny weather stretches into next National Hazards Partnership has issued an amber wildfire warning this weekend, highlighting the likelihood of fires that could be difficult to conditions are already very dry, with no rain recorded so far in April for most follows a record-dry March, which saw just 27.0mm of rainfall – 31% of the monthly average. Dry weather and low humidity Easterly winds will continue to dry out vegetation and temperatures are expected to climb towards the low 20C next amber warning also covers parts of England, Wales, and southern Scotland, reflecting growing concern as the dry spell continues with no significant rainfall in the Republic of Ireland, a Condition Orange fire warning – also the second-highest level – has been Irish government's notice warns of "a high fire risk in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels like heather and gorse exist".It also highlights how fire behaviour can be intensified by low humidity, gusty winds, and recent fires linked to turf cutting and illegal weekend will remain dry and sunny, with high pressure continuing to dominate the forecast at least through the middle of next week. 'Don't be complacent' Some wildfires reported in the Mourne Mountains in recent weeks are thought to have been started for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir described the blazes as having a devastating impact on the environment and wildlife."No one should start a fire in the countryside unless it's part of a specific planned and properly managed land management practice."People lighting these fires may be putting their own and others' lives at risk including the fire service personnel and other emergency services tasked to deal with them," he wildfires have already been reported in the Mourne Mountains in recent Water is warning of the long-lasting impact fires can have on both the environment and drinking water supplies."Wildfires don't just damage wildlife and habitats," said Becca Allen, Catchment Officer at NI Water."When a wildfire happens it also removes the primary layer of vegetation, leaving the burned bare soil to make its way into reservoirs which provide our drinking water."This requires a lot of resources to remove at the water treatment stage. We all have our part to play in protecting the environment and enjoy our time in the countryside responsibly".The utility company is reminding the public that water catchment areas must be protected — particularly during prolonged dry spells. Public safety advice In line with guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), authorities are issuing clear guidance:Never light fires or barbecues in open countrysideFully extinguish cigarettes and never discard them outdoorsReport fires or suspicious activity immediately by dialling 999Take rubbish home to avoid accidental ignitionAvoid using disposable barbecues, especially in high-risk areasJon Charters, Wildfire Lead at the NFCC, said the public plays a key role in prevention. "With the current conditions, we are urging the public to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of fires starting."Many of these incidents are preventable, and we need everyone to play their part in keeping our countryside and open spaces safe." Police urge caution in the Mournes With another dry weekend expected, police in Newry, Mourne and Down have urged the public to enjoy local beauty spots officers have been carrying out increased officer patrols using 4x4s, motorcycles, quads and air support to monitor remote areas. Supt Norman Haslett warned that gorse fires can cause severe environmental damage and pose serious risks to life and said that "more often than not, they are caused by human activity - whether this is through carelessness and inattention, or deliberate and malicious fire setting". "Deliberately setting a wildfire is a criminal offence for which you can be prosecuted," Supt Haslett have asked the public to act responsibly and report any suspicious activity.
