A major wildfire near Conogher Road has spread across approximately 200 acres, prompting an urgent response from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS). Six fire appliances and 40 firefighters are actively combating the blaze, which has flames reaching up to two metres in height. Emergency services are utilizing specialized equipment to contain the fire, and local authorities have issued warnings to avoid the area due to road closures. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has praised firefighting efforts while cautioning the public about environmental damage and ongoing wildfire risks across Northern Ireland.
A spokesman for the NIFRS said: "Following an initial call at 2.14pm firefighters have been dealing with a wildfire involving forestry on Conogher Road. Firefighters are utilising jets and specialist wildfire equipment to contain the fire. We expect to remain at this location for a number of hours."
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt praised firefighters for their efforts in tackling the wildfires. The Minister said: "The gorse fires are damaging our environment and putting significant pressure on our Fire Service which is maintaining normal service delivery while dedicating considerable resources to the wildfires."
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