Minister urges public to remain ‘extra vigilant' as Co Tyrone blaze rages through special area of conservation
Firefighters remain at the scene of a large gorse fire in the Ballagh Road area of Clogher which broke out on Wednesday afternoon.
Ten fire appliances and approximately 50 firefighters are in attendance at the ongoing incident which has since spread to Co Monaghan.
The blaze has since extended into a special area of conservation for the endangered species of Hen Harriers which nest in the blanket bog near Slieve Beagh.
Minister Muir pointed to the 'extensive' damage caused being caused and called for the public to 'heed the elevated hazard warning' which was issued by the Northern Ireland Fire Service (NIFRS) and PSNI.
The North Down MLA said: 'The current fire near Clogher is another stark reminder on how quickly they can spread, creating significant risk to life and property while causing extensive environmental damage.
'The fire in Counties Tyrone and Monaghan has torn through approximately a third of a precious protected site which includes a Special Area of Conservation for the endangered Hen Harrier during nesting season as well as important blanket bog habitat.
'With the current conditions set to last into the weekend and beyond I plead with everyone to heed the elevated hazard warning issued, remain extra vigilant to fires in our countryside and report to the Police or Crimestoppers anyone you know involved in deliberate and malicious fires.
'Those who know the individuals involved must come forward and help us apprehend the culprits wreaking destruction across our countryside.'
Minister Muir added: 'Once ignited, fire can spread rapidly, especially in areas with dead grasses, gorse, forestry and heather.
"Large areas can become engulfed in a very short period of time putting life, property and wildlife at real risk. This activity must stop before someone is killed or injured.'
NIFRS Area Commander Barry Ross also urged the public to enjoy the warm spell of weather responsibly.
He said: 'With the dry weather set to continue over the next few days we are asking the public to support their Firefighters by staying safe from fire in the countryside.
"Dealing with wildfires is not only challenging and physically demanding for our Firefighters, it is extremely resource intensive for our Service and partner agencies. If you are enjoying the weather this weekend, please do so responsibly and follow our safety advice.'
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson added: 'Gorse fires have the potential to cause widespread damage to the environment and harm to wildlife, as well as threatening homes, farms and the people living in those areas.
'The unpredictability of fire can also mean that those causing them may be putting their own lives at risk as well as the lives of the fire service personnel and other emergency services tasked to deal with them.
'I would remind the public that deliberate setting of wildfires is a criminal offence and if you see anyone setting a fire you should contact us immediately.
'Anyone caught deliberately setting a wildfire will be prosecuted to the full extend that the law allows.'
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