Service tackles 228 gorse fires

The fire and rescue service has said it had to tackle 228 gorse, grass or bush fires in Northern Ireland between 7 and 11 April.

It said most of the fires have been started deliberately and fire crews could be diverted away from other emergencies to tackle them.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Peter Craig said many of the fires were remote areas difficult to access.

He said they also exposed firefighters to unnecessary danger.

"Putting out these gorse fires, regardless of their size and location, requires both firefighters and equipment and this can put extra pressure on NIFRS resources, particularly when there are multiple gorse fires happening.

"It's not just the large fires on hillsides and mountains that take up time and resources, the smaller fires involving grass, bushes and leaves all take up valuable time and resources," Mr Craig said.

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