North Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA and former Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the actions of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for its efforts in tackling the major Glenariff gorse fire.
Robin Swann said:
"Whilst the recent weather has been a great way to start the summer, one of the consequences of the prolonged dry spell was that it had left the ground in tinder-box conditions.
“The Fire Service will no doubt have been keeping a very close eye on conditions and will have had its contingency plans in place and ready to go.
“I would like to thank each and every one of the dozens of emergency services personnel who have worked to bring the large Glenariff fire under control under incredibly difficult circumstances.
“The fact that there were a number of gorse fires and other significant incidents underway all at the same time only compounded the challenge so I want to commend the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for the way it responded. Tackling blazes such as this can be exhausting and back-breaking work so we all owe the men and women who responded our utmost praise and gratitude.
“I have contacted Northern Ireland’s Chief Fire and Rescue Officer to convey my own personal thanks, as well as that of the wider North Antrim community, for the lengths that he and his staff had gone to beat the blaze."
Robin added:
“As this weather continues, it may prove a long and difficult summer for our Fire Service and I would ask everyone to play their part, in reducing the opportunities that could start a fire in the country side."
NIFRS is reminding everyone of the following safety advice:
• Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly.
• Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows.
• Only use barbecues in designated and safe areas and never leave them unattended. Keep children and ball games away from barbecues.
• Ensure that barbecues are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents.
• Avoid using open fires in the countryside.
• Do not leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin.
• If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Don’t attempt to tackle fires that will take more than a bucket of water to put out. Leave the area as soon as possible.
• Report any suspicious behaviour to the Police.
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