Firefighters respond to several gorse fires in Co Fermanagh
By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association
Around 85 firefighters are responding to several gorse fires in Co Fermanagh, a day after battling blazes across the Mourne Mountains.
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has responded to wildfires in Sandbank Road in Hilltown, Chimney Rock Mountain in Newcastle, and Cranny Road in Crossmaglen.
The fire at Sandbank Road broke out on Sunday and was extinguished on Thursday; at the height of the incident, around 50 firefighters were involved in tackling the 1,500-hectare wildfire.
The fire at Chimney Rock Mountain began on Tuesday and was extinguished on Thursday, with around 45 firefighters responding to the 600m fire front at its peak.
The cause of both wildfires are under investigation.
The wildfire on Cranny Road broke out on Wednesday afternoon and is believed to have been “deliberate ignition”.
The eight acres of fire was extinguished on Wednesday evening after 30 firefighters responded.
Around 30 firefighters are at a 500m-wide wildfire on Polly’s Brae Road in Dungiven, as well as the 85 firefighters in Brookeborough, Co Fermanagh.
People are being advised to avoid both areas.
A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) spokesperson said: “NIFRS Crews are currently attending several gorse fires including a large incident in Brookeborough, Co Fermanagh along with several smaller incidents across the province.
“The initial call to the incident in Brookeborough was received at 12:10pm, Thursday 30th April 2026.
“Currently 85 Firefighters from stations in Enniskillen, Fintona, Clogher, Dungannon, Irvinestown, Newtownhamilton, Lurgan, Portadown, Banbridge, Lisnaskea, Cookstown, Pomeroy and Newtownstewart are attending. A Command Support Unit from Strabane Station is also in attendance.
“Crews are currently working hard to bring the incident under control.
“Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed, and members of the public are asked to avoid the area to support firefighting operations.
“NIFRS request the public act responsibly if you are in the countryside this weekend. If you see a fire, call 999 immediately.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience whilst we deal with this incident.”