Northern Ireland’s Fire and Rescue Service has said that it attended 511 gorse fires in the last seven days, 466 of which were started deliberately.

“Deliberate fire setting has major consequences – it ties up our vital resources from other more serious incidents and potentially puts people and property at risk,” firefighters said, calling on anyone with information on deliberate fire setting to report it to the police.

In the Republic, a group of Fine Gael TDs have also called on members of the public to stop starting fires as continuing blazes were reported in Galway, Cork, Wicklow and Cavan.

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“Unfortunately the illegal burning of vegetation is often to blame for these fires, and I urge people not to start them deliberately,” said Sligo-Leitrim TD Tony McLoughlin.

“Gorse fires pose an unnecessary danger to our front line workers as well as local people and livestock. I urge people not to start them,” his Kildare south colleague Martin Heydon added. Galway east TD Ciaran Cannon called on members of the public to “report any knowledge of this reckless behaviour to the authorities”.

Illegal fires may take the form of campfires or barbecues outside designated areas, glass bottles magnifying sun rays, cigarettes thrown without being extinguished or farmers burning vegetation during the current closed period.

What are the rules in the Republic?

  • It is forbidden to burn vegetation during the bird nesting season from 1 March to 31 August each year.
  • Outside the closed period, farmers should follow the prescribed burning code of practice. This includes proper planning and resourcing of the burning operation with trained professionals.
  • Any burning within one mile of forestry must be notified to the forest owner and the local Garda station in writing, at least seven days in advance.
  • Any burning in a designated area must be notified to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
  • Under the Wildlife Act, breaches of burning regulations are punishable by fines ranging from €635 to €63,490 and up to two years’ imprisonment.
  • Under the terms and conditions of the BPS for 2017, cross-compliance rules include penalties for illegal burning.

    • What are the rules in Northern Ireland?

  • It is forbidden to burn vegetation during the bird nesting season from 15 April to 31 August each year.
  • Farmers must notify all neighbours at least 24 hours before burning.
  • Farmers must notify owners of forests within one mile between one month and two weeks before burning. This information should also be copied to the Fire Service.
  • Farmers should have a professionally drawn-up plan in place before burning, including maps and areas to avoid.

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