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05/07/2018
Fire Crews Deal With Almost 600 Gorse Fires In A Week
Fire crews have tackled almost 600 gorse fires in the past week and a number of them have been started deliberately.
Temperatures are rising to around 30 degrees in Northern Ireland which is making the ground extremely dry.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Wildfire Lead, Group Commander, Mark Smyth, said: "The current spell of dry, sunny weather is providing a tinderbox landscape with conditions ripe for gorse fires to take hold. Often the dry conditions, like we have seen in recent weeks, can lead to an increase in the number of gorse fires we attend. Whilst many of these are started deliberately gorse fires can also be caused accidentally by something as simple as throwing a cigarette from a car window, leaving a glass bottle on the ground or not extinguishing a barbecue properly. A seemingly innocent mistake could well cause a severe gorse fire that destroys acres of countryside and ties up firefighting resources for prolonged periods.
"The Fire & Rescue Service doesn't want your summer to be affected by fire or tragedy –we are appealing to the public to take simple fire safety steps, act responsibly, remain vigilant to danger and help us in our work protecting our community."
(CD/LM)
Temperatures are rising to around 30 degrees in Northern Ireland which is making the ground extremely dry.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service Wildfire Lead, Group Commander, Mark Smyth, said: "The current spell of dry, sunny weather is providing a tinderbox landscape with conditions ripe for gorse fires to take hold. Often the dry conditions, like we have seen in recent weeks, can lead to an increase in the number of gorse fires we attend. Whilst many of these are started deliberately gorse fires can also be caused accidentally by something as simple as throwing a cigarette from a car window, leaving a glass bottle on the ground or not extinguishing a barbecue properly. A seemingly innocent mistake could well cause a severe gorse fire that destroys acres of countryside and ties up firefighting resources for prolonged periods.
"The Fire & Rescue Service doesn't want your summer to be affected by fire or tragedy –we are appealing to the public to take simple fire safety steps, act responsibly, remain vigilant to danger and help us in our work protecting our community."
(CD/LM)
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09 April 2013
NI Fire Service Launches Gorse Fire Appeal
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Ongoing Gorse Fire On Cave Hill
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15 April 2014
Firefighters Attend 2,000 Gorse Fires In Past Year
The Northern Ireland Fire Service attended over 2,000 gorse fires over the past year, with firefighters attending 387 gorse fires in the first 7 days of April 2013 alone.
Firefighters Attend 2,000 Gorse Fires In Past Year
The Northern Ireland Fire Service attended over 2,000 gorse fires over the past year, with firefighters attending 387 gorse fires in the first 7 days of April 2013 alone.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
