Multi-agency exercise to simulate wildfire in Wicklow
Wicklow County Council, as part of a European consortium, will support Ireland’s first EU MODEX Exercise in Co. Wicklow where the team will simulate a wildfire to test their preparedness.
EU MODEX is an Urban Search and Rescue Modules that gives responders the chance to test their preparedness for a real-life event.
Organised by the Eastern Emergency Response Group, this multi-agency event will involve over 100 participants from Ireland and other EU member states, simulating a wildfire scenario near Turlough Hill in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
The MODEX exercise is presented as an opportunity to assess Ireland’s preparedness and response capacity for managing large forest fires and aims to enhance our response capabilities.
Working alongside the EU MODEX Group and the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), experts from across Europe specialising in forestry management, host nation support and aerial firefighting coordination will collaborate with relevant entities during operational and tactical meetings.
Meetings will take place at both operational and tactical levels, with the simulation exercise conducted in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
The EU mission will assess Ireland’s current wildfire preparedness and provide expert guidance through a final report.
Where appropriate, the mission will also support the development of improved strategies and capabilities, particularly concerning the possible deployment of EU fixed-wing assets, such as Canadair aircraft.
Wicklow County Council, as part of the consortium delivering MODEX, has committed to supporting the Wicklow wildfire exercise, with staff from various departments involved in the preparation and participation.
The exercise will also receive support from partner organisations that respond to wildfires in Wicklow, including: An Garda Síochána; Air Corps Operations; Coillte; Defence Forces; National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS); Mountain Rescue; Civil Defence; Dublin Fire Service; and Wicklow Fire Service.
Minister of State for nature, heritage and biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan has said the vital exercise is an opportunity to test Ireland’s capability in a large forest fire scenario.
He said: “Forest fires can cause devastation to communities, wildlife and our unique natural landscapes, while also placing significant strain on emergency services.
“While fire prevention is always the first priority, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has worked tirelessly to ensure it is ready to respond quickly and effectively in the event of fire in any of our parks and nature reserves.
"The simulation exercise in Wicklow Mountains National Park is an excellent opportunity to enhance the expertise of all emergency agencies who would work together and collaborate in the event of a large forest fire.”
Senior assistant national fire advisor at NDFEM, Paul Rock stated: “These EU MODEX exercises are functional exercises with a strong link to the reality that a European Union Civil Protection Mechanism Team (EUCPT) and Technical Assistance and Support Team (TAST) can be exposed to, both on operational, tactical and strategic levels.
"This advisory exercise will concentrate on Ireland’s preparedness for the more frequent and more devastating wild land forest fires, with forestry management experts, aerial firefighting experts and host nation experts reviewing Ireland’s planning and preparedness for these events.”
Chief executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman added:“Wicklow County Council is delighted to host Ireland’s first EU MODEX Exercise with the Eastern Emergency Response Group.
"It is a great opportunity to work with all our partners, share knowledge, and learn from the exercise that we will carry into future emergency responses."
The public is advised not to be alarmed by the presence of numerous emergency response personal and vehicles. A helicopter will also be used during the day as part of the training exercise.
The exercise is funded by the European Union.
