Northern Ireland launches new strategic framework to reduce wildfire risks by 2030

Northern Ireland launches first wildfire strategic framework

Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched its first Wildfires Strategic Framework, setting out a plan to reduce the risk and impact of wildfires by 2030.

According to DAERA, the framework focuses on prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and enforcement.

It outlines 35 key development areas designed to strengthen regional capability to manage wildfires.

The strategy was introduced by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir during a joint meeting of the Strategic Wildfires Group and Wildfires Stakeholder Forum.

Objectives focus on prevention and resilience

Minister Muir said the framework marks a change in how wildfire management is approached across Northern Ireland.

Andrew Muir, DAERA Minister, 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.

“The framework is an important step towards making our communities more resilient to wildfires, making them aware of the dangers 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.”

He added that the framework will inform a detailed wildfire action plan to be developed over the next year.

Supporting environmental and climate strategies

Minister Muir noted that the new framework aligns with wider climate and environmental programmes.

He continued: “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.”

Ministers and agencies welcome collaborative approach

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt described the framework as a foundation for future wildfire mitigation efforts.

Mike Nesbitt, Minister of Health, said: “It is encouraging to see the publication of this Strategic Framework which is an important first step to a longer-term solution for wildfires in Northern Ireland.

“It is a key document that will pave the way in defining our future efforts in protecting and improving our natural habitat and benefiting our communities.”

Minister for Justice Naomi Long highlighted the growing risk of wildfires linked to climate change.

Naomi Long, Minister for Justice, said: “The last 12 months have shown the devastating impact of wildfires on our communities and I recognise that that threat is only likely to grow as a result of climate change and changing weather patterns.

“Delivering on the Strategic Framework is vital in that context and I hope that all relevant departments play their part to the fullest.

“I look forward to further engagement between officials in regard to the enforcement elements of the framework.”

NIFRS and PSNI emphasise partnership and enforcement

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) welcomed the cross-agency focus on prevention and preparedness.

Marcus Wright, Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer at NIFRS, said: “We welcome the development of the wildfire strategic framework and thank the Executive for its commitment and collective support in addressing the impact of wildfires in our community.

“The collaborative multi-agency approach details a new way forward in a set of co-ordinated actions that seek to reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires.

“We are encouraged by the unified approach in the development of this framework as we want Firefighters to be ready and available to respond to incidents in their local community when called upon.

“Dealing with the increasing number and scale of wildfires, which are largely preventable, adds significant physical demands on Firefighters and resources, and places strain on our Service.

“Through this framework we are committed to working with partners to reduce the risk and impact of wildfires to help protect life, the environment and make Northern Ireland a safer place.”

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Superintendent Chris Hamill highlighted that many wildfires are avoidable and often caused by human behaviour.

Chris Hamill, PSNI Superintendent, said: “Wildfires have a devastating impact on our environment and wildlife, and more often than not, are completely avoidable – often caused by human error.

“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.

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland welcomes the publication of the first Wildfires Strategic Framework, and we look forward to working alongside our partners in order to help collectively tackle this issue and protect our landscape.”

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The Wildfires Strategic Framework 2025–2030 outlines a coordinated approach between government, emergency services and environmental bodies to strengthen wildfire resilience across Northern Ireland.

For fire and rescue officers, the framework establishes new priorities in prevention, preparedness and operational coordination, directly affecting resource management and training requirements.

For environmental managers and risk assessors, it links wildfire prevention to broader climate adaptation goals, particularly in upland and peatland restoration projects.

The involvement of the Police Service of Northern Ireland introduces stronger enforcement mechanisms, highlighting the growing intersection between environmental protection and fire investigation practices.

This policy will guide departmental planning and inter-agency collaboration through 2030, setting measurable actions for wildfire risk reduction.