The Wildfire Action Plan for Northern Ireland, launched by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, is a significant step forward in addressing the growing threat of wildfires. Developed through a strong multi-agency collaboration under the Wildfires Strategic Framework, the plan outlines a comprehensive approach to wildfire management through five key pillars: prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and enforcement. Together, these priorities—supported by 35 targeted actions—aim to strengthen regional capacity and resilience.
As part of the plan’s implementation, the Pau Costa Foundation is leading an international consortium of wildfire experts to deliver a dedicated Wildfire Recovery Project. This initiative will focus on enhancing resilience in high-value and vulnerable landscapes, including the Eastern Mournes, North Antrim Hills, and Carn-Glenshane areas.
In words on Minister Muir: “We have all witnessed the devastating consequences of wildfires in recent years, endangering homes, businesses and communities whilst also damaging vital upland habitats across Northern Ireland. The Wildfire Action Plan lays out how we will work together to reduce wildfire risk by implementing specific actions over the years ahead. Its implementation will help make our communities more resilient by raising awareness of the dangers and providing the tools to adapt to and mitigate wildfire risks.”
Over the next three years, the Foundation and its partners will work closely with local stakeholders—ranging from fire and rescue services to landowners, farmers, public agencies, and NGOs—to co-develop wildfire management and response strategies tailored to each landscape. This collaborative approach ensures that local knowledge and practical experience are integrated with international expertise.
The project represents an opportunity to advance wildfire risk reduction while also supporting broader goals such as climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and peatland restoration. By fostering cross-sector cooperation and knowledge exchange across Europe, the initiative aims to strengthen both local and international capacity to prevent and respond to wildfires.
Jordi Vendrell, Director of the Pau Costa Foundation, highlighted the importance of this effort: “Northern Ireland demonstrates a high level of advancement in wildfire management and strategic planning. Initiatives like this not only reinforce that leadership but also create valuable opportunities to connect expertise across regions, ultimately improving how we collectively address wildfire risk.”
