Response to Co Tyrone wildfire scaled back

By Rebecca Black (PA)

The response to a wildfire in Co Tyrone has been scaled back, firefighters said.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it is not currently attending any other wildfires in the region, but added that a warning remained in place with temperatures expected to rise on Thursday.

Firefighters have dealt with more than 200 blazes in recent days, and have said it is believed the majority were started deliberately.

Providing an update on Wednesday evening, a spokesperson said: “The wildfire in the White Bridge area of Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, has scaled back to two fire appliances at the scene.

“The incident is expected to end later this evening.

“We are pleased to confirm that we are not in attendance at any other wildfire incidents across Northern Ireland.

“However, with temperatures increasing tomorrow and the weather warning for wildfires still in place, we are calling on the public to adhere to our safety advice.

“Please remain vigilant if you are in the countryside and if you see a fire, call 999.”

Police said they have been providing air support to the NIFRS as it dealt with previous wildfires in the Mourne Mountains in Co Down.

A PSNI social media post said: “We’ve been assisting our colleagues in @NIFRSOFFICIAL to access some of the more remote areas of the Mournes as they’ve dealt with the wildfires.

“Our patrols will continue in the area, both on the ground and in the air, to help protect our communities, environment and wildlife.”

Earlier, the NIFRS said it received 330 calls on Tuesday, 147 of which involved wildfires, adding that crews mobilised to 41 of those.

Forty firefighters were involved in tackling the wildfire in the White Bridge area at its height.

The blazes came after a major incident was declared at the weekend when a large wildfire close to the Mournes led to homes being evacuated. That blaze is being treated as arson.

An amber wildfire warning is expected to remain in place until the end of the week, with the forecast for increasing temperatures in Northern Ireland heightening concerns of further ignitions.

Firefighters tackling the wildfire at the Bloody Bridge in the Mournes on Monday. PHOTO: NIFRS