McGimpsey appeals for an end to deliberate gorse fires

Health, Social Services and Public Safety Minister, Michael McGimpsey has today called on the public to be vigilant and report deliberate gorse fires.

The Minister made the appeal as figures released today show a massive increase in the number of deliberate gorse fires across Northern Ireland totalling 3,100 in the last year.

Minister McGimpsey said: "Gorse fires pose a serious risk to life, property and the environment in addition to placing an extra strain on our Fire Service. Having fire crews deployed at gorse fires reduces the effectiveness of the Fire Service’s response to other emergencies where lives could be saved. Fire crews cannot be in two places at once.

"It is alarming to see the number of people intent on deliberately pushing our fire service to its limit without any understanding that their actions could put at risk the lives of people who are in a genuine emergency situation.

"As a community we need to demonstrate our appreciation for our fire crews who work often in difficult and dangerous circumstances. We are fortunate to have a highly committed fire service dedicated to ensuring our safety but we must make sure they are deployed to real life saving situations and not distracted by deliberate gorse fires."

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