80 firefighters and 15 Fire Appliances continue to battle large gorse fire near Clogher, Co Tyrone

NIFRS received the initial call at 12.51pm yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 7 May).

There are currently 15 Fire Appliances and approximately 80 Firefighters in attendance.

“If you live in the Clogher and Fivemiletown vicinity, please keep your windows and doors closed,” said a NIFRS spokesman.

“With a weather warning for wildfire in place, we are reminding the public to adhere to our fire safety advice.

"Please stay vigilant to fire in the countryside. If you see a fire, call 999.”

The appeal comes as NIFRS ask the public to prevent fires in the countryside by:

• Avoiding using open fires in the countryside. An open fire can easily get out of control.
• Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
• Only use barbeques in a suitable and safe area and never leave them unattended.
• Ensure barbeques are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents.
• Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland or grassland. Take them home or dispose in a waste or recycling bin.
• Be considerate in parking vehicles so you don’t impede access for emergency vehicles.
• Keep children away from lighters, matches and open fires.
• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be extinguished with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it to NIFRS immediately by calling 999.
• If you see someone setting fires, report it to the PSNI.