Northern Ireland Firefighters Tackle Forest Blaze Aftermath

LONDON — Firefighters in Northern Ireland have been occupied with the aftermath of a significant forest fire that swept through a southeastern region of the province overnight. This incident highlights the concerns over the unusually warm and dry conditions currently being experienced across the United Kingdom.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service categorized the situation as a major incident just before midnight on Saturday. Over 100 firefighters, supported by 14 units of equipment, were dispatched to a rural zone near Hilltown to tackle the flames. The fire was largely brought under control by the early hours of Sunday morning.
Authorities suspect that the fire was intentionally ignited, according to the fire service. This comes in the wake of recent reports logged on March 28 about a surge of deliberately lit wildfires across Northern Ireland.
“By starting these fires, individuals are endangering their own safety and the safety of others, including fire service members and other emergency responders,” stated Andrew Muir, the minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in an official comment.
Throughout the United Kingdom, firefighters remain vigilant this weekend against the increased potential for fires, attributed to a string of warm spring days.
In Scotland, police have advised the public to steer clear of the Loch Down area in East Ayrshire due to an active wildfire engulfing parts of the southwestern region.
Furthermore, multiple fires have been identified on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, located in southwestern England. Consequently, Devon and Cornwall police have urged travelers to avoid the affected area, having closed several roads in the Bolventor vicinity to facilitate the work of the firefighters.