Several significant gorse fires believed to have been started deliberately in Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service have been called to “several significant gorse fires”.
By Niall Deeney
Published 14th Apr 2020, 21:29 BST
Updated 14th Apr 2020, 22:48 BST
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue ServiceNorthern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

A spokesperson for the fire service said the largest of the fires were in the Western Area Command.

In a statement, the spokesperson said: “The largest fires which are now under control are located in the Belleek Area of County Fermanagh, at Artigarvan near Newtownstewart and at Coalisland Co Tyrone.”

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The fires appear to have been started deliberately, the fire service said.

“Dealing with these fires, which at this stage appear to have been started deliberately unnecessarily draws precious resources away from where they are needed most, protecting our community,” the spokesperson continued.

“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 add unnecessary pressures to the emergency services.

The spokesperson added: “The public are also reminded that deliberate setting of wildfires is a criminal offence.”