Exercise caution when lighting fires in the countryside

Mon, 04 May 2015

Stock image of gorse fire at Ballikillowey

People have been warned to exercise caution when lighting fires in the countryside - or risk putting strain on the fire service by tying up vital resources.

Each year fire-fighters deal with a number of fires involving gorse and heathland commonly when the weather is dry and warm.

A number of these have been started by out of control bonfires, badly managed barbecues or discarded cigarettes - the speed at which they spread often takes people by surprise.

Fire-fighter Neil Garlick says it's important people take precautions to stop things going wrong: