Gorse fires break out in Armagh and Clare

Firefighters in Northern Ireland were mobilised to a gorse fire in County Armagh on Thursday evening.

A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) spokesperson confirmed that units were attendance at small gorse fires in Tursallagh Road, Sixmilecross and Friary Road, Newtownhamilton.

It is the latest in a series of fires across Ulster in recent weeks.

The NIFRS said, ““With the weather warning still in place, we are reminding the public to adhere to our fire safety advice. Please stay vigilant to fire in the countryside. If you see a fire, call 999.”

Meanwhile, units from Clare County Fire and Rescue Service responded to a gorse fire at Kinturk, near Connolly, on Thursday afternoon.

The fire was reported to the emergency services shortly after 2.30 p.m and was quickly brought under control.

A nationwide Status Orange ‘High’ Forest Fire Risk Warning for the Republic of Ireland remains in effect until next Monday.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has requested landowners and the public to avoid all outdoor fires and other open ignition sources.