Fire Service's Work On Gorse Fires Praised

SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley has praised the efforts of the Fire and Rescue Service in bringing the gorse fires at Camlough Mountain under control.

Mr Bradley said: "Fire and Rescue Service personnel worked extremely hard in difficult circumstances over long hours to deal with an extensive gorse fire and the whole community should be grateful to them for their efforts.

"I would like to place on record my own thanks and the thanks of the whole community to the officers involved."

It has not been confirmed how the fire was started, however a campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the dangers presented by gorse fires.

Mr Bradley continued: "I would urge anyone availing themselves of the countryside, especially in hill and mountain areas, to exercise extreme care and caution.

"We do have a number of walking groups in this area who are led by trained personnel and part of their code of conduct is respect for the countryside.

"I believe that everyone involved in leisure activities in the countryside should adhere to the same code of conduct."

(CD/GK)