The weather is providing a tinderbox landscape with conditions ripe for gorse fires to take hold anywhere in Northern Ireland. If you see a fire, report it immediately by dialing 999. Please follow our countryside fire safety advice, act responsibly and stay safe. Both deliberate and accidental fires can cost lives and we are asking that the public heed fire safety advice to protect themselves and the countryside” Aidan Jennings, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer

NIFRS is reminding everyone of the following safety advice:

• Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly.
• Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows.
• Only use barbecues in designated and safe areas and never leave them unattended. Keep children and ball games away from barbecues.
• Ensure that barbecues are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents.
• Avoid using open fires in the countryside.
• Do not leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Don’t attempt to tackle fires that will take more than a bucket of water to put out.  Leave the area as soon as possible.
• Report any suspicious behaviour to the Police.