The recent spell of fine spring weather has provided a much-needed boost at the end of another long and difficult winter dominated by the pandemic, allowing people to get out and enjoy our many scenic locations.
However, there has been a downside to the warm and dry conditions, with highly destructive gorse fires taking hold in a number of areas popular with hikers and campers.
These blazes not only cause widespread damage but they also take a heavy toll on the fire service.
Particularly troubling is the suggestion that some of these fires may have been started deliberately.
Over the past week, fire crews have had to tackle gorse fires at Black Mountain in west Belfast and Cave Hill in the north of the city.
They have also had to deal with several large fires in the Mournes, at Spelga, Cock Mountain and Hen Mountain.
Firefighters believe a huge blaze at Bloody Bridge in the Mournes was 'deliberate ignition.'
Group commander Andy Burns has detailed the exhaustion experienced by fire crews, who have to make their way up a steep mountainside and then battle flames, often by hand, with beaters and knapsack spray devices.
Needless to say, the fact that officers are fully occupied in fighting wildfires means that resources are being stretched and may impact on other areas.
There is also the damage to wildlife to consider, with National Trust ranger Marc Vinas explaining that the heather which is being destroyed is home to birds which are already endangered and it can take many years for an area to fully recover.
We should remember the shocking images of a year ago when fires raged on Slieve Donard, causing large-scale devastation across several kilometres of land, including important wildlife habitats.
Since then, work has been going on to help the Mournes recover so it is deeply disturbing that we are again witnessing devastating wildfires in this beautiful area.
Environment minister Edwin Poots has appealed to people to act responsibly and remain vigilant.
It is absolutely essential that everyone is aware of fire safety, particularly when camping and using barbecues.
Even a carelessly discarded cigarette or glass bottle left in sunlight can start a blaze in dry conditions.
The deliberate setting of wildfires is a criminal offence and anyone who commits such a crime should be held to account for their actions.
Protecting our environment is everyone's responsibility and must be taken seriously.
