Firefighters tackle blaze in Ballygawley as wildfires continue to break out

By Rebecca Black, PA

Firefighters are tackling a blaze in Ballygawley as wildfires continue to break out across Northern Ireland.

Major fires have been quelled in the Mourne Mountains in Co Down but blazes have continued in other locations.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it received 330 calls on Tuesday, 147 of which involved wildfires, adding that crews mobilised to 41 of those.

Some 40 firefighters were involved in tackling a wildfire at its height in the White Bridge area of Ballygawley, Co Tyrone.

The NIFRS said four fire appliances remained at the scene on Wednesday morning.

“Please stay away from the area while firefighting operations are taking place and adhere to road closures,” it said.

Firefighters also attended a notable gorse fire on Black Mountain at 7.22pm on Tuesday.

The NIFRS said five fire appliances and more than 35 firefighters battled a 120m fire front.

The continuing blazes came after a major incident was declared at the weekend when a large wildfire close to the Mournes led to homes being evacuated. That blaze is being treated as arson.

An amber wildfire warning is expected to remain in place until the end of the week, with the forecast for increasing temperatures in Northern Ireland heightening concerns of further ignitions.

Police said they were using air support and other specialist units to survey the area for potential suspects, to spot fires early, and alert those who may be at risk.

Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew expressed concern over the fire in Ballygawley.

“It is concerning that a gorse fire has broken out in the area, and I understand fire appliances are currently at the scene,” he said.

“I would encourage the community to avoid the area if possible as firefighters tackle the blaze.”