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DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has today launched Northern Ireland’s first strategic framework to reduce the threat of wildfires in the countryside.

The Wildfires Strategic Framework runs to 2030 and focuses on objectives of wildfire prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and enforcement.

The framework identifies 35 key areas of development which, taken together, should ensure that our regional capability to address the issue of wildfire is enhanced.

Launching the framework alongside partners during a meeting of the Strategic Wildfires Group and Wildfires Stakeholder Forum, Minister Muir said: “I am delighted we have published our first Wildfire Strategic Framework which should mark a turning point for how we collectively tackle the wildfire problem. Publication of the strategic framework will facilitate the development of a detailed wildfire action plan over the next year.

“The framework is an important step towards making our communities more resilient to wildfires, making them aware of the danger’s wildfires pose to health, and providing them with tools to adapt to and mitigate wildfire risks through prevention, preparedness and vigilance. Recognising the importance of being able to react quickly and effectively to wildfires when they do occur, the Strategic Framework includes measures to enhance preparedness and capability for response to wildfire incidents.”

Minister Muir added: “Implementation of the Strategic Framework will support the delivery of other strategies and plans related to climate change adaptation, biodiversity and peatland restoration, which aim to improve the degraded state of our uplands and peatlands, including after wildfire incidents.

“Upland habitats, in good condition, provide an array of services to the community – food production, clean water, flood alleviation and recreation. The need for an environment that is resilient to wildfires emphasises the importance of the Peatland Strategy which I launched last month.”

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