Fire crews tackle blaze on hillside on Donegal - Derry border near Killea

Fire crews are battling a blaze which took hold on a hillside near the border village of Killea on Friday afternoon.

The blaze spread rapidly through the dry gorse, and large plumes of smoke are visible from the village. 

With a weather warning remaining in place for wildfires across Northern Ireland this weekend, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is appealing for the public to stay vigilant to the risk of fire in the countryside.

Firefighters are also continuing to tackle a wildfire in Ballagh Road, Clogher. There are currently 10 Fire Appliances and approximately 50 Firefighters are the scene.

NIFRS Western Area Commander David Doherty said: “As the good weather continues, we are urging the public to support our appeal to protect yourselves and our countryside from fire. Please act safely, be responsible and be vigilant.

READ NEXT: Tobermore Road Maghera closed following three vehicle crash

“Wildfire incidents are not only challenging and physically demanding for our Firefighters, it is extremely resource intensive for our Service and partner agencies who are working in high temperatures. We would like to reassure the public that contingency plans are in place and we will continue to respond to incidents across Northern Ireland should the public need us.

“Very often these fires are started deliberately. Purposely setting a wildfire is a criminal offence. If you see a fire or see someone intentionally setting a fire please report it immediately by calling 999.

“The responsibility of preventing fires belongs to all of us and we all need to do our part in protecting our beautiful countryside and green spaces. Please avoid using open fires and extinguish smoking materials, barbeques, camping fires and any other type of flame.

“I would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our Firefighters, control room operators and support employees who have worked tirelessly in recent days to ensure the safety of our community across Northern Ireland, including our partner agencies.”

Please adhere to the following advice to prevent fires in the countryside:

• Avoid using open fires in the countryside. An open fire can easily get out of control.
• Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
• Only use barbeques in a suitable and safe area and never leave them unattended.
• Ensure barbeques are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents.
• Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland or grassland. Take them home or dispose in a waste or recycling bin.
• Be considerate in parking vehicles so you don’t impede access for emergency vehicles.
• Keep children away from lighters, matches and open fires.
• Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be extinguished with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it to NIFRS immediately by calling 999.
• If you see someone setting fires, report it to the PSNI.