Those behind a number of recent gorse fires in the greater Shantallow area of Derry were putting lives in danger, Sinn Fein Cllr Sandra Duffy has said.
Cllr Duffy was speaking after the most serious incident when fire crews from Crescent Link and Northland Road stations were called to tackle a blaze in a field at Madam’s Bank Road close to Foyle Bridge.
Cllr Duffy said apart from being a risk to life, property and the wider environment, such incidents tied up resources of the Fire and Rescue Services that could be needed elsewhere in an emergency.
Cllr Duffy added: “”Gorse fires can prove to be a serious problem and while some of these fires are started accidentally, the majority are believed to be started deliberately.
“Accidental fires in the countryside can be started through discarded rubbish or carelessness when disposing of items like barbecue coals or cigarette ends that have not fully cooled.
“I would encourage people to be extra careful and ensure that they take everything home that they bring out into the countryside. And also appeal to people not to attempt to tackle gorse fires on their own but to ring the emergency services straight away.”
Cllr Duffy concluded: “I would particularly emphasise the danger to young people not to be tempted to set fires as this could lead to a tragedy and could devastate the wider community.”
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