A Large Gourse Fire has broken out on the Mourne Mountains in Co.Down.

The fire can be seen for miles lighting up the horizon.

Twelve fire appliances and 58 firefighters have been at the scene in the Bloody Bridge area since the early hours of Friday.

"Firefighters are working hard to extinguish the fire using beaters," the NI Fire and Rescue Service.

They urged people to stay away from both the Bloody Bridge area and Donard Forest.

In a statement, NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said there was potential for further fires over the weekend.

They said the area was unsuitable for wild camping due to "extremely dry" conditions, adding "we would ask the public to exercise due care and vigilance in relation to fire safety if out in the countryside during this current dry spell".

A Code Orange risk is currently in place this weekend and early next week for the island of Ireland.

CONDITION ORANGE: HIGH FIRE RISK BE PREPARED

Warning Effective From 1200hrs 22/04/2021

Effective Period Expires 1200hrs 26/04/2021

Arising from current high pressure dominated weather patterns a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist. This risk phase is expected to peak on Friday, April 23rd.

Based on recent fire activity, ignition risks appear to be focussed on areas with public access, particularly active turf cutting and peatland sites. The relaxation of some Covid-19 requirements mean that members of the public can now travel within their respective counties and higher visitor activity levels at recreational sites can be expected in line with fine weather. Members of the public intending to visit forests and other recreational sites are reminded to adhere to regulations introduced to limit the spread of Covid-19. Vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency service access to forest roads. Forest visitors should not use barbeques or open fires at any stage

Fire behaviour and spread rates are likely to be influenced by lower afternoon humidity levels and moderate to fresh easterly winds in many areas. There is potential for wind speeds to reach or exceed the critical 30km/h threshold in several regions and this will significantly increase suppression difficulties in all fuel types. Due caution is advised.

Advice to the General Public/Forest Visitors

Members of the public and visitors to recreational areas should cooperate with all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles.

Where fire outbreaks occur at or near recreational areas the following actions should be taken by visitors in the interests of safety.

1. Do not light fires in and around forests or open land.

2. Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances.

3. Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car

park, upwind of the fire.

4. Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location.

5. Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions.

BE PREPARED. BE VIGILANT. STAMP OUT FOREST FIRES

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