Fears grow as gorse fires again threaten houses

Fears grow as gorse fires again threaten houses

14 August 2013

LOCAL politicians have warned that arsonists are putting an unnecessary strain on the Fire and Rescue Service.

The warning, issued by local councillors Liam Johnston and Colin McGrath, comes after fire crews were called to tackle a gorse fire at the Colmcille Road in Downpatrick last week.

Two tenders attended the scene of the blaze last Thursday afternoon, with local firefighters joined by colleagues from Ballynahinch to help bring the blaze under control before it had a chance to spread.

The fire was close to home heating oil tanks with the large plume of smoke the blaze created blowing over a number of nearby homes belonging to pensioners.

Councillor Johnston said the recent dry spell has made ground conditions tinder dry and warned deliberate gorse fires place tremendous pressure on resources.

“We must do all we can to avoid a situation where firefighters and resources are tied up dealing with deliberate gorse fires when vehicles and manpower are required to respond to a life or death emergency situation, be that a house fire or serious road accident,” he declared.

“Young people who start fires need to realise the consequences of their actions and the cost to the taxpayer, which the majority of their parents probably are.”

Firefighters were able to access the blaze at the Colmcille Road last week, but Councillor Johnston said there are times when tackling gorse fires is problematic as access is difficult and water supply limited.

He continued: “Setting deliberate fires is a problem which risks serious injury to those responsible and fire fighters themselves. The firefighters were able to bring the blaze at the Colmcille Road under control and prevent it from spreading to nearby houses and we are all thankful for that.”

Councillor Johnston appealed to parents to warn their children of the dangers of starting gorse fires and the serious implications if something goes wrong.

Councillor McGrath described last week’s fire as “quite substantial” and said it’s his understanding that the fire came close to pensioner’s homes and oil tanks at the Colmcille Road.

“It’s really time that the people setting these fires are aware of the full impact and consequence of their behaviour. They must stop what they are doing. My fear is that it’s only a matter of time before someone loses their life, be that a local person, a firefighter or indeed one of those starting the fires,” he said.

“There are major dangers faced by our local firefighters and full credit to them for dealing with these fires.”

He added: “It must not be forgotten that fires have an enormous impact on wildlife in these areas. The bottom line is that those starting these fires must know their behaviour is not acceptable and wont be tolerated. Those responsible must stop what they are doing. Anyone who sees people starting fires must contact the police.”