DAERA Minister Andrew Muir published the Wildfires Action Plan to 2030 for Northern Ireland. The plan stems from a multi-agency effort within the Wildfires Strategic Framework. It covers prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and enforcement via 35 development areas to strengthen regional wildfire handling.

The Northern Ireland Strategic Wildfire Group and Wildfire Stakeholder Forum will carry out the plan with their risk management expertise. Minister Muir said the plan responds to recent wildfires that damaged homes, businesses, communities and upland habitats. He said it aims to increase community resilience through awareness, adaptation measures and risk mitigation.

The plan covers improved response operations plus efforts on climate change adaptation, biodiversity and peatland restoration. NIFRS Area Commander and Strategic Wildfire Lead Ryan Thompson said NIFRS works with partners to lower wildfire frequency and severity. Thompson said NIFRS backs the plan to ready firefighters for local incidents and asked the public to follow countryside safety guidance as spring arrives.

DAERA selected a consortium led by the Catalonia-based Pau Costa Foundation for the Wildfire Recovery Project. The group will create management and response plans for Eastern Mournes, North Antrim Hills and Carn/Glenshane Pass. Funding comes from the Carrier Bag Levy for resilience in Eastern Mournes ASSI and SAC, Antrim Hills SPA and Carn-Glenshane SAC.

The three-year project includes work with local landowners and stakeholders such as NIFRS, Ulster Farmers Union, Northern Ireland Water and Forest Service. Minister Muir said the foundation's involvement advances wildfire management and called for stakeholder engagement. Jordi Vendrell, General Director of Pau Costa Foundation, said the project allows European knowledge sharing on prevention and response.

Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray noted 200 wildfires last year in areas including the Mournes and Sperrins.