NI Water warns public of wildfire risks this summer | Newry News
With the recent news that Northern Ireland has just experienced its warmest May on record since 2008 and the second warmest Spring (March to May) since 1893, NI Water has issued a timely reminder to anyone planning to visit mountain areas, particularly the Mournes, that there is a real risk of wildfires.
With the days feeling hotter there will be increased hazard warnings for wildfires.
The risk will also increase due to strong wind conditions and an increase in activities such as littering, use of disposable BBQs and burning of waste.
The Mournes are no strangers to wildfires. Since April 2021, when Slieve Donard plunged into fire, there has been a huge conservation effort, and three years on, work continues to restore the habitat.
Rebecca Allen, Catchment Liaison Officer at NI Water, explains, “Wildfires not only pose a risk to human life, wildlife, property and the environment but also to our drinking water catchment areas.
“Many areas which might be prone to wildfires like the Mourne Mountains are also areas which provide our drinking water.
“While these places are great to visit and very picturesque, it’s important for visitors to remember that these areas provide drinking water, so special care must be taken of them.
“A water catchment is where water is collected by the natural landscape into rivers, lakes and streams.
“NI Water controls 2 drinking water catchments, supplying water to all of Northern Ireland. We work hard to deal with many catchment issues, including the risk and problem of wildfires, and we can assure customers that our tap water is always of a very high quality.
“However, wildfires within these areas not only pose a terrible risk to all life but remove the primary layer of vegetation, leaving the burned bare soil exposed to erosion, which then makes its way into the reservoirs, which are treated to become our drinking water.
“This material requires a lot of resources and expertise to remove at treatment. Wildfires can also have a devastating impact on habitats and wildlife, destroying birds and animals homes and special habitat features.”
Some do’s and don’ts when in these areas during hot, dry weather:
Do not light fires in and around forests or open land
Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances;
If you see a fire, gather all family/group members and move to a safe, fuel-free location, such as a car park, upwind of the fire
Telephone the NI Fire and Rescue Service on 999 and report the fire and its location
Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions
If you see someone deliberately setting fires, report it to the PSNI immediately as it is a criminal offence
Some friendly advice when enjoying your time in the countryside:
Leave no trace; please take your rubbish with you
Never fly-tip waste material
Extinguish cigarettes and other flammable materials properly
Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows
Avoid using open fires
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Posted by NewryTimes News
on Jun 17 2024. Filed under Community.
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