Northern Ireland Unveils Landmark Wildfire Prevention Framework

On October 9th, 2025, the Northern Ireland government unveiled a new strategic framework to address the growing issue of wildfires in the region. The Wildfires Strategic Framework, which will run until 2030, was launched by the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir.

The framework focuses on five key objectives: wildfire prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and enforcement. It identifies 35 areas of development that will enhance the region's capability to tackle wildfires, which have been found to be largely preventable and often caused by deliberate or accidental human actions.

Minister Muir expressed hope that the framework will mark a turning point in Northern Ireland's approach to wildfires. "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," he said.

The framework's launch was welcomed by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Justice Minister Naomi Long, who recognized the devastating impact of wildfires on communities and the need for a coordinated, multi-agency approach to address the issue. The Police Service of Northern Ireland also pledged to work with partners to help tackle the problem and protect the region's landscape.