AQW 45529/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 05/05/2026
Answered On Date: 28/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQO 3502/22-27, whether any assessment has been made of the scale of challenge to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service that upland fires, such as those in the Mournes, represent.

Answer:

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has assessed upland wildfires as a significant and growing operational challenge.

These incidents are often seasonal, prolonged, and resourceintensive, taking place in remote terrain and requiring specialist skills and equipment. NIFRS keeps this risk under review and continues to enhance its capability through training, equipment, planning, multiagency working and a focus on prevention.