Fire service tackle 'deliberate' gorse fire in Fivemilecross
More than 40 firefighters have been called to tackle a gorse fire in Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone.
Last updated 7th May 2017
A total of eight appliances and 45 firefighters are at the scene in the Mullaghfad area.
It follows a week of gorse fires allegedly being started deliberately across Northern Ireland.
A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) Spokesperson said: “Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service are continuing to deal with a large number of gorse fires.
"Since 1 May 2017 we have dealt with 460 gorse related incidents and 80% of these have been as a result of deliberate ignition.
"With the dry weather set to continue there is a high risk of further fires this week.
"I would like to appeal to members of the public to be vigilant and take care while out in the countryside in order to prevent further fires.
"Gorse and wildland fires traditionally occur in remote areas and are extremely challenging. Our crews have been working tirelessly to, bring under control and extinguish these fires.
"We are currently dealing with a large wildland fire in the Fivemiletown area.
"We have 8 appliances and 45 fire-fighters tackling this blaze in difficult conditions. We believe this fire was started deliberately which is reckless and puts at risk the public and the environment.
"Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service would appeal to anyone who has any information in relation to fire setting to contact PSNI."