Latest news with #HenHarrier
Irish Post
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Irish Post
Wildfire ‘tears through' Northern Irish conservation site
AN ONGOING wildfire which has been burning since the weekend has 'torn through' a Northern Irish conservation site. A third of Slieve Beagh, which straddles counties Monaghan, Fermanagh and Tyrone, is estimated to have been damaged since the fire took hold, according to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Northern Ireland's Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir said the fire is 'another stark reminder on how quickly they can spread, creating significant risk to life and property while causing extensive environmental damage'. He added: '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. A wildfire has ripped through Slieve Beagh in Co. Tyrone 'With the current conditions set to last [in the days ahead] 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. '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.' Members of the NIFRS are still tackling the wildfire (Pics: NIFRS) The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has urged the public to remain vigilant as the warm dry weather continues this week. '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,' NIFRS Area Commander Barry Ross said. 'Dealing with wildfires is not only challenging and physically demanding for our Firefighters, it is extremely resource intensive for our Service and partner agencies,' he added. 'If you are enjoying the weather this weekend, please do so responsibly and follow our safety advice.' See More: Northern Ireland, Slieve Beagh, Wildfire
Belfast Telegraph
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Belfast Telegraph
Two people rescued from NI fire as ongoing gorse blazes stretch emergency crews
Two people were rescued from a house fire in Co Down. The blaze in Downpatrick is believed to have been accidental. It comes as the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service revealed crews are still dealing with the impact of gorse fires. A spokesperson said: 'Firefighters have continued to respond to other incidents across Northern Ireland and attended a well-developed house fire in Downpatrick. "Our regional controls staff provided fire survival guidance to persons trapped in the first floor of the property. "A fire had started in the garage filling the property with smoke. "Crews from Downpatrick, Comber and Ballynahinch arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. "A member of the public acted quickly and managed to get two persons out of the property with a ladder. "The fire is believed to be accidental.' Fire service resources have been stretched due to blazes in the countryside in recent weeks. Hot, dry weather has seen gorse fires spread across Northern Ireland. A blaze near Clogher in Co Tyrone is continuing to burn. NIFRS added: 'Two appliances remain at Ballagh Road in Clogher following the extensive wildfires in the area. The temperature reduced overnight which has helped the situation. Crews will continue to review the area over the next few days. 'We are asking the public to remain vigilant to fires in the countryside, as the dry weather continues. 'If they see fire please dial 999 to ensure NIFRS are aware of the fire.' Officials said the Clogher wildfire has damaged about a third of Slieve Beagh. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir 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.' This article was amended at 4pm on May 10 to state two people had been rescued after further clarification from NIFRS.
Sunday World
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Sunday World
Two people rescued from Down house fire with emergency crews stretched with gorse fires issue
Fire service resources have been stretched due to gorse fires from the recent hot, dry weather. Two people were rescued from a house fire in Co Down. The blaze in Downpatrick is believed to have been accidental. It comes as the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service revealed crews are still dealing with the impact of gorse fires. A spokesperson said: 'Firefighters have continued to respond to other incidents across Northern Ireland and attended a well-developed house fire in Downpatrick. Fire crews attended a blaze in Downpatrick. News in 90 seconds - 10th May 2025 "Our regional controls staff provided fire survival guidance to persons trapped in the first floor of the property. "A fire had started in the garage filling the property with smoke. "Crews from Downpatrick, Comber and Ballynahinch arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. "A member of the public acted quickly and managed to get two persons out of the property with a ladder. "The fire is believed to be accidental.' Fire service resources have been stretched due to blazes in the countryside in recent weeks. Hot, dry weather has seen gorse fires spread across Northern Ireland. A blaze near Clogher in Co Tyrone is continuing to burn. NIFRS added: 'Two appliances remain at Ballagh Road in Clogher following the extensive wildfires in the area. The temperature reduced overnight which has helped the situation. Crews will continue to review the area over the next few days. 'We are asking the public to remain vigilant to fires in the countryside, as the dry weather continues. 'If they see fire please dial 999 to ensure NIFRS are aware of the fire.' Officials said the Clogher wildfire has damaged about a third of Slieve Beagh. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir 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.'
Belfast Telegraph
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Belfast Telegraph
Man rescued from NI house fire as ongoing gorse blazes stretch emergency crews
A man has been rescued from a house fire in Co Down. The blaze in Downpatrick is believed to have been accidental. It comes as the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service revealed crews are still dealing with the impact of gorse fires. A spokesperson said: 'Firefighters have continued to respond to other incidents across Northern Ireland and attended a well-developed house fire in Downpatrick. 'Our regional controls staff provided fire survival guidance to a man trapped in the first floor of the property. 'A fire had started in the garage filling the property with smoke. 'Crews from Downpatrick, Comber and Ballynahinch arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. 'A member of the public acted quickly and managed to get the man out of the property with a ladder. The fire is believed to be accidental.' Fire service resources have been stretched due to blazes in the countryside in recent weeks. Hot, dry weather has seen gorse fires spread across Northern Ireland. A blaze near Clogher in Co Tyrone is continuing to burn. NIFRS added: 'Two appliances remain at Ballagh Road in Clogher following the extensive wildfires in the area. The temperature reduced overnight which has helped the situation. Crews will continue to review the area over the next few days. 'We are asking the public to remain vigilant to fires in the countryside, as the dry weather continues. 'If they see fire please dial 999 to ensure NIFRS are aware of the fire.' Officials said the Clogher wildfire has damaged about a third of Slieve Beagh. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir 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.'
Belfast Telegraph
10-05-2025
- Climate
- Belfast Telegraph
Minister urges public to remain ‘extra vigilant' as blaze rages through NI 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.'
