Caravan park evacuated following large fire at Tollymore Forest

Chloe St John

Hundreds of holidaymakers had to be evacuated from a caravan site in Newcastle last night after a major fire broke out at Tollymore Forest.

More than 55 firefighters and 8 appliances tackled the blaze which stretched to around a mile long.

🎥 Current scene of the large fire at Tollymore Forest in Newcastle. Emergency services are dealing with the incident.

Please avoid the Tullybrannigan Road & Bonny’s Caravan Park. pic.twitter.com/cKW1Aiwtpt

— goQradio (@goQradio) 21 April 2019

At least 200 people were evacuated to the Newcastle Centre - most of them from Bonny's Caravan Park on the Tullybrannigan Road.

(McAuley Multimedia Ltd)

This man was one of them:

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Alan Walmsley said crews were working hard tackling the fire and protecting properties that could be at risk.

He described conditions as "punishing" and "challenging".

(McAuley Multimedia Ltd)

A spokesperson for NIFRS (last night) said:

"A total of 8 pumping appliances and 2 specialist appliances with 55 firefighters and specialist Wildfire Officers have been engaged in firefighting operations."

"Crews are currently dealing with a wildfire with a mile long fire front. Their main priority at this time is protecting the properties in the vicinity of the fire."

"Operations will continue through the night and into Easter Monday."

(McAuley Multimedia Ltd)

The fire has now been brought under control and residents and the caravan site has been re-opened.

Thank you to all our crews who worked tirelessly overnight to bring the gorse fire in the Mournes under control, all properties were protected and the caravan site reopened. Operations now scaled down, one crew remains on scene to deal with small flare ups. @NIFRSOFFICIAL pic.twitter.com/XyOF49A1l1

— NIFRSWalmsley (@NIFRSWalmsley) 22 April 2019