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15/04/2014
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.
The Fire Service has released its 2013/14 statistics ahead of the Easter holidays and the coming drier weather, as it warned of "the extreme dangers and serious consequences of deliberate fire setting in the countryside."
It said gorse fires "remain a community problem" and traditionally spike over the Easter holiday period.
Dale Ashford, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: "Dealing with these types of incidents puts not only firefighters' lives at risk but the lives of everyone in the local community and puts additional pressure on NIFRS resources. People need to realise that we simply cannot be in two places at once and fighting gorse fires mean that fire appliances and firefighters are diverted from other potentially life threatening emergency incidents in the local community.
"While the majority of gorse fires that we attend are started deliberately they can also start unintentionally by thoughtless and careless behaviour. We would ask that people be vigilant when out and about during the Easter break for anyone starting fires deliberately and any suspicious behaviour should be reported to the police immediately."
(IT/MH)
The Fire Service has released its 2013/14 statistics ahead of the Easter holidays and the coming drier weather, as it warned of "the extreme dangers and serious consequences of deliberate fire setting in the countryside."
It said gorse fires "remain a community problem" and traditionally spike over the Easter holiday period.
Dale Ashford, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, said: "Dealing with these types of incidents puts not only firefighters' lives at risk but the lives of everyone in the local community and puts additional pressure on NIFRS resources. People need to realise that we simply cannot be in two places at once and fighting gorse fires mean that fire appliances and firefighters are diverted from other potentially life threatening emergency incidents in the local community.
"While the majority of gorse fires that we attend are started deliberately they can also start unintentionally by thoughtless and careless behaviour. We would ask that people be vigilant when out and about during the Easter break for anyone starting fires deliberately and any suspicious behaviour should be reported to the police immediately."
(IT/MH)
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05 July 2018
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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.
12 June 2008
Gorse Fires And Attacks On Firefighters Slammed
After many hundreds of malicious fires in gorge areas over the last weeks of warm weather, the NI Public Safety Minister, Michael McGimpsey has called on members of the public to do their bit in reducing both attacks on firefighters and the lighting of malicious fires.
Gorse Fires And Attacks On Firefighters Slammed
After many hundreds of malicious fires in gorge areas over the last weeks of warm weather, the NI Public Safety Minister, Michael McGimpsey has called on members of the public to do their bit in reducing both attacks on firefighters and the lighting of malicious fires.
26 April 2021
Large Gorse Fires On Mourne Mountains Brought Under Control
Large gorse fires on the Mourne Mountains in Co Down have been brought under control, according to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS). It is believed spaces of ground stretching to around 100 football pitches were affected by the blaze on Slieve Donard.
Large Gorse Fires On Mourne Mountains Brought Under Control
Large gorse fires on the Mourne Mountains in Co Down have been brought under control, according to the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS). It is believed spaces of ground stretching to around 100 football pitches were affected by the blaze on Slieve Donard.
29 May 2018
NIFRS Issues Warning About Dangers Of Wild Fires
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has warned about the extreme dangers and serious consequences of deliberate fire setting in the countryside. The warning has been issued after a major gorse fire broke out on Black Mountain in Belfast on Monday, 28 May. NIFRS responded to reports of a large fire at about 7pm last night.
NIFRS Issues Warning About Dangers Of Wild Fires
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has warned about the extreme dangers and serious consequences of deliberate fire setting in the countryside. The warning has been issued after a major gorse fire broke out on Black Mountain in Belfast on Monday, 28 May. NIFRS responded to reports of a large fire at about 7pm last night.
29 March 2012
Fire Service's Work On Gorse Fires Praised
SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley has praised the efforts of the Fire and Rescue Service in bringing the gorse fires at Camlough Mountain under control.
Fire Service's Work On Gorse Fires Praised
SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley has praised the efforts of the Fire and Rescue Service in bringing the gorse fires at Camlough Mountain under control.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
