11 August 2026By Elaine Murphyelaine@TheCork.ieThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) should adopt a more proactive approach to the use of controlled burning in the open season as part of Ireland’s wildfire prevention strategy, a Fine Gael Senator has said. “The NPWS needs to work more closely with landowners, farmers, local communities and emergency services to examine how carefully managed controlled burning can be carried out. “We need to recognise that properly managed controlled burning has long been part of responsible upland management. “The NPWS should review current policies on wildfire prevention in light of changing climate conditions. We need a comprehensive wildfire prevention strategy that includes controlled burning, strategic fire breaks, stronger collaboration with land managers and greater investment in preventative measures.