Pictures show huge scale of NI wildfires

Around 70 firefighters were dispatched in Co Anrtim after fires broke out near the Altarichard Road and Islandboy Road areas in Ballycastle.

Fifteen fire appliances were sent to tackle both fires.

The blaze at Islandbay Road had been dealt with yesterday afternoon, but dozens of firefighters were still at the scene at Altarichard Road amid high winds.

There had been several wildfires across Northern Ireland amid the dry weather in recent weeks, including a miles-long inferno in Co Tyrone.

Agriculture and Environment Minister Edwin Poots issued an appeal for “extreme caution” in the countryside during the coronavirus pandemic.

“As we work our way through the COVID-19 crisis, no one should start a fire in the countryside and place further strain on our emergency services.

“A number of significant wildfire incidents have occurred over recent weeks which have threatened property and destroyed valuable habitats.

“Wildfires are rarely natural. They are almost always started either deliberately, or by reckless burning or disposal of flammable vegetation or waste material. Waste or litter might also contain glass, which can easily start a fire on a sunny day.”

He added: “I’m urging the public to take extreme caution.”

Interim fire service chief Michael Graham said: “We would appeal to farmers to support us by not carrying out controlled burning and remind the public to exercise common sense in the countryside.”