Major incident as fire crews tackle multiple blazes

Ten fire appliances are tackling the blaze in County Antrim

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) declared a major incident on Wednesday following a number of gorse fires.

More than 130 firefighters tackled blazes in Clogher, County Tyrone and Glenariff, County Antrim.

NIFRS said 10 fire appliances, a pump and specialist wildfire officers are at Ballyemon Road in Glenariff.

Four appliances, a tanker, pump and support unit attended the blaze in Corleaghan Road, Clogher.

On Wednesday night, the NIFRS said they were beginning to "stand down" crews in Clogher while they would remain in Glenariff for "some time yet".

NIFRS Chief Officer Aidan Jennings said they had dedicated "substantial resources" to these incidents.

"This coupled with other ongoing incidents has resulted in a major incident being declared this evening," he said.

"I want to reassure the public that contingency plans are in place. We will continue to respond should you need us in an emergency. 

"However I am appealing for the public to support us during this critical time," he said.

Police have asked people to avoid the Ballyeamon Road area

"Please avoid the areas where incidents are ongoing. Please act safely, be responsible. Please pay heed to our safety advice as conditions are ripe for more gorse fires to take hold. 

"These types of incidents are extremely resource intensive and challenging for our firefighters and we need your support."

The gorse fire was reported at Ballyeamon Road, Glenariff, at about 13:56 BST on Wednesday.

The road is currently closed to traffic and police have asked people to avoid the area if possible.

The blaze at Corleaghan Road, Clogher was reported at 11:30 BST.

Firefighters were also called to a gorse fire at Slievenaman Road, Newcastle, at 05:03 BST. The fire was fully extinguished at 16:02 BST.