Fire fighters tackle 2.5 mile wildfire in Co Tyrone

The fire has been burning all day at the Barony Road area in Mountfield, Omagh and was first reported to the fire service at 10am.

A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson said: “Crews have been fighting the fire which involves gorse and heather over a 2.5 mile long fire front for most of today.

“There are a total of seven fire appliances, a water tanker and a high volume pump with a total of 56 firefighters engaged in the ongoing operation.”

The spokesperson continued: “Dealing with fires such as this one, which at this stage appears to have been started deliberately, unnecessarily draws precious resources away from where they are needed most, which is protecting our community.

“NIFRS would appeal to anyone involved in starting fires such as this to please stop and think about the impact of their actions and to cease this activity immediately.

“It is most important that we all play our part in protecting our communities during this national emergency, and to ensure that we do not expose firefighters to additional risks from Covid-19 and to add unnecessary pressures to the emergency services.”

The spokesperson added: “The public are also reminded that deliberate setting of wildfires is a criminal offence and if you see anyone setting a fire you should call the PSNI immediately.”