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09/04/2025
Firefighters Continue To Battle Wildfires Across NI
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has reported another busy night as firefighters continued to tackle wildfire incidents and respond to other emergencies across the region.
A spokesperson for the NIFRS stated that their Regional Control Room received a total of 330 calls yesterday. Of the 147 incidents requiring mobilisation, 41 involved wildfires.
One of the most significant incidents was in the White Bridge area of Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone, where at its peak, eight fire appliances and over 40 firefighters were deployed to combat the blaze. Four fire appliances remain at the scene this morning. The NIFRS is urging the public to avoid the area and adhere to any road closures in place to facilitate ongoing firefighting operations.
Firefighters were also called to a report of gorse on fire on Black Mountain in Belfast yesterday evening (Tuesday 8th April) at 7:22 pm. Five fire appliances and over 35 firefighters worked to tackle a 120-metre fire front.
A yellow warning for wildfires remains in effect across Northern Ireland. The NIFRS is reiterating its safety advice to the public and urging vigilance regarding the risk of fire in the countryside. They are reminding people that if they see a fire, they should call 999 immediately.
The NIFRS has issued the following safety advice to help prevent fires in the countryside:
• Avoid using open fires in the countryside as they can easily get out of control.
• Ensure cigarettes and other smoking materials are properly extinguished and never discard them on the ground or from vehicles.
• Only use barbecues in suitable and safe areas and never leave them unattended.
• Make sure barbecues are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents.
• Do not leave bottles or glass in woodland or grassland; take them home or dispose of them responsibly.
• Park vehicles considerately, ensuring access for emergency vehicles is not obstructed.
• Keep children away from lighters, matches, and open fires.
• Do not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be extinguished with a bucket of water; evacuate the area quickly.
• Report any fires seen in the countryside to the NIFRS immediately by calling 999.
• Report anyone seen setting fires to the PSNI.
A spokesperson for the NIFRS stated that their Regional Control Room received a total of 330 calls yesterday. Of the 147 incidents requiring mobilisation, 41 involved wildfires.
One of the most significant incidents was in the White Bridge area of Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone, where at its peak, eight fire appliances and over 40 firefighters were deployed to combat the blaze. Four fire appliances remain at the scene this morning. The NIFRS is urging the public to avoid the area and adhere to any road closures in place to facilitate ongoing firefighting operations.
Firefighters were also called to a report of gorse on fire on Black Mountain in Belfast yesterday evening (Tuesday 8th April) at 7:22 pm. Five fire appliances and over 35 firefighters worked to tackle a 120-metre fire front.
The NIFRS has issued the following safety advice to help prevent fires in the countryside:
• Avoid using open fires in the countryside as they can easily get out of control.
• Ensure cigarettes and other smoking materials are properly extinguished and never discard them on the ground or from vehicles.
• Only use barbecues in suitable and safe areas and never leave them unattended.
• Make sure barbecues are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents.
• Do not leave bottles or glass in woodland or grassland; take them home or dispose of them responsibly.
• Park vehicles considerately, ensuring access for emergency vehicles is not obstructed.
• Keep children away from lighters, matches, and open fires.
• Do not attempt to tackle fires that cannot be extinguished with a bucket of water; evacuate the area quickly.
• Report any fires seen in the countryside to the NIFRS immediately by calling 999.
• Report anyone seen setting fires to the PSNI.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
