THE fire service has dealt with more than 100 gorse and wildfires across Northern Ireland this week.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it had been an "exceptionally busy spring period for fire crews who have worked hard in tough conditions to extinguish these wildfires".
Crews responded to 114 gorse and wildfire incidents across the north on Monday June 1 and yesterday - compared to the same period last year when there were just seven similar incidents.
Today crews are tackling blazes in Glengormley, Newry and Cookstown.
A spokeswoman said nine fire appliances and around 41 firefighters and six officers were at the scene of a grassland fire on Blackrock Road, Cookstown after 12pm.
Another wildfire was tackled on Carnmoney Hill, Glengormley shortly after 12.30pm with four appliances and 21 firefighters attending.
Crews were also still at the scene of another grassland fire on Flagstaff Road in Newry, which was reported on Monday June 1 shortly after midnight.
There were four fire appliances and a HVP specialist appliance, with a crew of 30 still at the scene.
The spokeswoman added: "Due to the recent hot weather, grass and gorse is extremely dry and NIFRS would appeal to members of the public not to light any fires or use disposable barbecues in the countryside as these can lead to significant wildfire incidents and damage to the countryside."
Wildfires are not natural & almost always start deliberately or carelessly. They're dangerous for humans/wildlife, damage our environment & put pressure on emergency services. Open fires, BBQs & open ignition sources must be avoided in the countryside &near forests in dry weather https://t.co/4qLd71EEZK
— DAERA (@daera_ni) June 3, 2020
