The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) and Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have issued a joint warning as Northern Ireland enters the 2026 wildfire season, declaring a default “Yellow” or moderate risk status across all upland areas containing dead grasses, gorse and heather until September. The warning comes as the agencies recall the devastation of 2025, when fires ravaged the Mournes, Slieve Beagh and the Sperrins, imposing substantial public costs and causing severe environmental damage.
“Yellow” Risk Status Declared Through September
DAERA has announced that a “Yellow” or moderate wildfire risk will be deemed to exist across all areas containing dead grasses, gorse and heather by default until the end of the wildfire season in September 2026. This status may be upgraded if conditions worsen.
The declaration serves as a formal warning that the combination of spring weather patterns and the current state of upland vegetation presents inherent fire risks. The designation aligns with the legal burning restrictions already in place: it remains an offence to burn or destroy vegetation growing on uncultivated land between 15 April and 31 August.
Landowners conducting prescribed burning within the legal period—which closes on 14 April—must notify NIFRS and ensure all necessary consents are obtained, particularly where Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) might be affected.
Minister Recalls 2025’s Devastating Losses
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir explicitly referenced the catastrophic fires of 2025 when urging public cooperation. Last year saw Northern Ireland’s biggest ever wildfire at Slieve Beagh, which cost an estimated £1 million to bring under control and destroyed one-third of the protected upland area, while separate major incidents devastated the Mournes and the Sperrins.
Minister Muir said: “We all saw the damage that was done across Northern Ireland last year with devastating wildfires in the Mournes, Slieve Beagh and the Sperrins. I would urge everyone to act responsibly by heeding the advice, remaining vigilant and swiftly reporting to the Police anyone they suspect of maliciously starting fires in our countryside.”
Triple-Agency Warning on Arson and Public Safety
The joint statement from DAERA, NIFRS and PSNI emphasises that wildfires endanger not only landscapes and biodiversity but also property, infrastructure and human health. The agencies highlight that wildfires can impact respiratory and cardiovascular systems, cause injuries, and harm mental health, with children and vulnerable populations facing increased risk.
NIFRS Area Commander Ryan Thompson, the service’s Lead Wildfire Officer, stressed the operational toll of the previous year:
“Last year, we responded to a significant number of wildfires throughout the spring and summer months, which placed intense pressure on our Firefighters and our Service. As we approach this period again, we urge everyone to support their Fire & Rescue Service by staying alert to wildfire risks and acting responsibly in the countryside. With everyone playing their part, we can help prevent wildfires before they start.”
PSNI Superintendent Chris Hamill reinforced the criminal nature of deliberate fire-setting:
“Deliberately setting a wildfire is a criminal offence for which you can face prosecution. Where it is found that a fire has been maliciously started, it will be fully investigated by police, and when identified, those responsible can expect to be arrested and brought before court.”
Practical Advice for Landowners and Visitors
The agencies have issued specific guidance for different groups:
- For countryside visitors: Avoid open fires; only use barbecues in designated areas and ensure they are fully extinguished; never throw cigarette ends from vehicles; park considerately to allow emergency vehicle access.
- For prescribed burning: Burn only within the legally permitted period (until 14 April); obtain necessary consents for ASSI sites; notify NIFRS before and after burning; ensure precautions are in place to contain fires.
- If you see a fire: Report immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service; do not attempt to tackle fires requiring more than a bucket of water; leave the area; report suspected arson to PSNI.
Landowners must also notify all forest owners within one mile of prescribed burning, between one month and 14 days before the intended burn date.
Unanswered Questions and Missing Details
While the joint warning establishes the risk framework for 2026, several gaps remain in the public communication:
- Enforcement resources: The statement does not specify what additional policing or NIEA inspection resources will be deployed to enforce the closed-season burning restrictions across Northern Ireland’s vast upland areas.
- Risk level thresholds: No criteria are provided for what conditions would trigger an upgrade from “Yellow” to a higher risk status, or what additional measures would apply.
- Strategic Framework integration: The announcement makes no reference to the Wildfires in Northern Ireland Strategic Framework launched in October 2025, leaving unclear how this seasonal warning aligns with longer-term prevention goals.
- Cost transparency: No budget figures are provided for 2026 prevention efforts, despite the documented £1 million-plus costs of single major incidents.
Questions for the Season Ahead
As Northern Ireland enters this high-risk period, several questions remain for policymakers and the public:
- How does the “Yellow” risk classification translate into practical changes for land management or emergency service readiness compared to normal operations?
- Given the £1 million cost of the Slieve Beagh fire alone, what investment is being made in prevention and enforcement compared to emergency response capabilities?
- What progress has been made since Operation WildFire in 2017 to secure convictions for arson-related wildfires, and are current penalties sufficient deterrents?
- With climate projections suggesting longer dry periods, should Northern Ireland review the September end-date for wildfire season designation?
- Should the department consider establishing dedicated aerial firefighting capabilities, as suggested by stakeholders following the 2025 Mournes fires?
What Happens Next
The “Yellow” risk status will remain in place until September 2026 unless DAERA upgrades it based on weather conditions and incident rates. The closed burning season begins on 15 April, after which any vegetation burning on uncultivated land becomes a criminal offence.
Members of the public who witness suspicious activity or deliberate fire-setting are urged to contact PSNI immediately, while fires in progress should be reported to NIFRS via 999. Landowners uncertain about legal obligations regarding ASSI sites should consult with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency before undertaking any burning operations.