Swann praises NIFRS efforts in successfully tackling Glenariff gorse fire

NORTH Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA and former Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann has praised the actions of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service in its ongoing efforts in tackling the major Glenariff gorse fire.

Assembly Member Swann said: "Whilst the recent weather has been a great way to start the summer, one of the consequences of the prolonged dry spell was that it had left the ground in tinder-box conditions.

“The Fire Service will no doubt have been keeping a very close eye on conditions and will have had its contingency plans in place and ready to go.

“I would like to thank each and every one of the dozens of emergency services personnel who are working to bring the large Glenariff fire under control under incredibly difficult circumstances and I would join in its request asking members of the public to stay away from Glenariff Forest Park due to ongoing operations.

“The fact that there were a number of gorse fires and other significant incidents underway all at the same time only compounded the challenge so I want to commend the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for the way it responded. Tackling blazes such as this can be exhausting and back-breaking work so we all owe the men and women who responded our utmost praise and gratitude.

“I have contacted Northern Ireland’s Chief Fire and Rescue Officer to convey my own personal thanks, as well as that of the wider North Antrim community, for the lengths that he and his staff had gone to beat the blaze.

“As this weather continues, it may prove a long and difficult summer for our Fire Service and I would ask everyone to play their part, in reducing the opportunities that could start a fire in the country side,” said Assembly Member Swann.