To ask the Minister of Health to detail how the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service investigate and ascertain the cause of a landscape fire.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service investigate the cause of landscape fires through the collection and analysis of evidence available at the scene. This includes consideration of various elements, such as fire spread patterns, witness information, land use, the presence of ignition sources and any indications of deliberate or antisocial behaviour.

Based on all evidence collated, the Officer in Charge will assess the information available and will form an opinion as to the most probable cause of the fire. Any such assessment is not definitive, and the decision may be revised, should any further evidence pertaining to the event become available.