No Currently Active Wildfires – NIFRS

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has confirmed that there are currently no ongoing wildfire incidents across the region.

A spokesperson stated: “We are pleased to confirm there are no ongoing wildfire incidents across Northern Ireland.

“Firefighters continued to respond to wildfire incidents late into the evening and attended other emergency calls across Northern Ireland. Our Regional Control Room received 188 calls yesterday, 29 of the 116 calls mobilised involved wildfires.” 

Yesterday saw significant gorse fires in two separate locations. At 4:50 pm, six fire appliances from Fintona, Dromore, Irvinestown, Pomeroy, and Omagh Fire Stations were called to a blaze covering approximately 30 acres of gorse on Ecclesville Road, Fintona. This incident was brought under control by 9:29 pm. 

Later, at 5:23 pm, firefighters responded to another gorse fire on Glenravel Road, Cargan, Ballymena. This larger incident required the attendance of nine fire appliances and over 50 firefighters from Ballymena, Cushendall, Ballymoney, Kilea, Ballycastle, and Coleraine Fire Stations. The fire was dealt with by 10:09 pm. Despite the current lack of active wildfires, the weather warning remains in place, and temperatures are expected to rise today. The NIFRS is strongly urging the public to continue adhering to fire safety advice and to remain vigilant to the risk of fire in the countryside. They reiterate that anyone who sees a fire should call 999 immediately.

The NIFRS has issued the following safety advice to 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.