NI Water is urging the public to be extra cautious when visiting its reservoir sites this bank holiday weekend, reminding everyone that its barbeque and open fires ban remains in place and that water activities are strictly forbidden.

With a yellow wildfire warning in place until Monday, NI Water is reminding the public that no barbecues or open fires are allowed at any its publicly accessible sites, including Silent Valley Mountain Park. The company put the measure in place earlier this Spring to help protect the environment, wildlife and drinking water sources after wildfires caused widespread devastation across the Silent Valley Mountain Park area in April.

NI Water is also reminding the public that water activities are strictly prohibited across its sites after rangers received reports of people swimming, diving and paddle boarding across the Silent Valley, Ben Crom and Spelga Dam areas earlier this month.

NI Water senior facilities manager Patricia McKee said: “With increasing hot conditions forecast and very little rainfall expected it means severe wildfire conditions are likely to grow day-by-day into the weekend. We are therefore reminding the public that we have banned all barbeques and open fires until further notice. If you see a fire move to safety and phone the NI Fire and Rescue Service on 999. If you see someone deliberately setting fires, report it to the PSNI immediately as it is a criminal offence.

“We are  also reminding visitors that our reservoirs and the lands around them are working sites and are therefore dangerous and not suitable for any water activities. These bodies of water can be deceptively dangerous, with strong currents, cold water shock and difficulty exiting the water just some of the hazards that pose serious risks. Please remember to stay safe and treat our waterways with respect by adhering to our safety signage on site.”