Specialist wildfire volunteers receive Power NI funding boost 

Specialist volunteers who support the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) during wildland fire incidentshave been awarded one thousand pounds by Power NI.

Awarded through the energy provider’s Brighter Communities initiative, the money will be used to purchase specialist overalls that protect from heat, flames, and ground hazards.The equipment will allow trained volunteers to work safely alongside their colleagues in the NIFRS – and strengthen emergency response efforts during the wildland fire season.

Recent figures from the NIFRS show that crews attended ninety-five wildfire incidents last year, with 83 per cent of these started by deliberate ignition. Most of these incidents – ninety-three in total – occurred between March and May, highlighting the increased risk during springtime when vegetation is dry and conditions are favourable for fire spread.

Ben Thompson – Funding Officer at Sky Watch NI – said:“We are extremely grateful to Power NI for this support, which will help ensure our volunteers are properly equipped to operate safely. This funding strengthens Sky Watch NI’s ability to work alongside statutory agencies to protect our communities when they are most at risk.”

Established in 2009, Sky Watch NI works alongside the NIFRS, Police Service of Northern Ireland and other local statutory and voluntary organisations. Using drones, they support searches for vulnerable missing people and environmental incidents, including wildland fires, floods and HAZMAT situations. Fitted with cameras, the drones capture real-time images so that agencies have a clear understanding of how best to deal with the situation. 

Ashleigh O’Neill – Senior Marketing and Communications Executive at Power NI – said: “Wildland fires can have a devastating impact on local communities, wildlife and the natural landscapes. Through Brighter Communities, we are proud to support projects that help make Northern Ireland safer. This funding will ensure Sky Watch NI volunteers can continue providing important support when it is needed most.”

Power NI’s Brighter Communities programme provides funding to local organisations that make a real, lasting, and positive difference to communities across Northern Ireland.So far, tens of thousands of pounds have been awarded to worthwhile causes.