33 firefighters tackle gorse fire in Maghera

Firefighters have dealt with around 350 wildfires in just over a week

The command room said it dealt with almost 50 calls about wildfires on Friday
Author: Tara GriffithsPublished 12th Apr 2025
Last updated 12th Apr 2025

By David Young

More than 30 firefighters were involved in tackling a gorse fire in County Londonderry on Saturday.

The blaze took hold close to the Glenshane Road over the Sperrin Mountains near Maghera.

Police advised motorists to avoid the area while the fire service operation continued.

Firefighters have already dealt with around 350 wildfires across Northern Ireland in just over a week.

Those included a significant blaze in the Mourne Mountains in County Down last weekend which sparked a major incident and saw people evacuated from their homes.

Many of the fires are believed to have been started deliberately.

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