Firefighters continue to tackle gorse fire in Ballycastle

Around 50 Firefighters are continuing to battle a gorse fire near Ballycastle.

On Tuesday, seventy firefighters attended two "significant" gorse fires in the Altarichard Road area and the Islandboy Road area in Ballycastle.

A total of 15 fire appliances were used to deal with the fires. The blaze at Islandboy Road has been dealt with.

Fire crews remain at the scene on the Altarichard Road.

READ MORE: 70 firefighters tackle ‘significant’ Ballycastle gorse fires

This news comes after an appeal by the Fire Service and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to be aware of the risks around gorse fires, particularly given the long spell of dry weather.

Environment Minister Edwin Poots said it was important not to place further strain on emergency services during the Covid-19 outbreak.

“A number of significant wildfire incidents have occurred over recent weeks which have threatened property and destroyed valuable habitats,” he said.

“Wildfires are rarely natural. They are almost always started either deliberately, or by reckless burning or disposal of flammable vegetation or waste material.

“Waste or litter might also contain glass, which can easily start a fire on a sunny day."