Firefighters in Maghera, County Londonderry, are battling a gorse fire with the assistance of ten fire appliances and 33 firefighters on the Glenshane Road. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) revealed that its staff had already responded to 49 wildfires on Friday and were actively engaging in several other emergency incidents throughout the night.
NIFRS Western Area Commander David Doherty described the fire in Maghera as a challenging situation, spanning over two miles with four fire fronts and located about a mile up the mountain without vehicular access. He noted that the escalating incident was dynamic and may present increased challenges in the hours to come.
Acknowledging the strenuous demands faced by the fire service, Mr. Doherty emphasized the intense workload experienced by firefighters throughout the week. He highlighted the extensive geographical coverage of incidents, stressing the toll it has taken on resources and personnel. The relentless nature of the emergencies has pushed firefighters to their limits, reflecting one of the busiest weeks the service has encountered.
Amidst the ongoing firefighting efforts, the NIFRS issued a public appeal to adhere to fire safety guidelines, particularly in light of prevailing weather warnings. The importance of vigilance in rural fire prevention was underscored, urging individuals to report any fires they observe by promptly contacting emergency services. Additionally, firefighters are actively addressing a gorse fire in Brookeborough, County Fermanagh, as part of their sustained operations following the high volume of incidents, including 296 wildfires reported from April 3rd to April 10th, many of which were identified as deliberate
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