NIFRS update: Ongoing wildfires in North - including Dungiven
Wildfires: Public urged to avoid Polly's Brae Road, Dungiven
Giving an update on the ongoing wildfires across the North a spokesperson for NIFRS said: "There are currently approximately 30 Firefighters at a wildfire on Polly’s Brae Road, Dungiven, tackling a fire front of approximately 500m. We are urging the public to please avoid the area.
“The wildfires in Sandbank Road, Hilltown, Chimney Rock Mountain, Newcastle, and Cranny Road, Crassmaglen, have now all been dealt with.
“The initial call for the wildfire on Sandbank Road, Hilltown, was received at 9.01am on Sunday, April 26, 2026. At the height of the incident, approximately 50 Firefighters were involved in tackling the wildfire expanding 1,500 hectares. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation and the incident was dealt with by 10.40am on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
“The initial call for the wildfire on Chimney Rock Mountain, Newcastle, was received at 12.12pm on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. At the height of the incident, approximately 45 Firefighters were involved in battling a 600m fire front. The cause of the wildfire is under investigation and the incident was dealt with this morning (Thursday, April 30, 2026).
“The initial call for the wildfire on Cranny Road, Mullaghbawn, Crossmaglen, was received at 2.11pm on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. At the height of the incident, approximately 30 Firefighters were involved extinguishing the 8 acres of fire. The cause of the wildfire is believed to have been deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 9.21pm on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
“There is an amber weather warning in place for wildfires today so please remain vigilant and follow our fire safety advice. If you see a fire, call 999 immediately.”
NIFRS also urged the public to adhere to the following advice to prevent fires in the countryside:
- Avoid using open fires in the countryside. An open fire can easily get out of control.
- Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows.
- Only use barbeques in a suitable and safe area and never leave them unattended.
- Ensure barbeques are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents.
- Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodland or grassland. Take them home or dispose in a waste or recycling bin.
- Be considerate in parking vehicles so you don’t impede access for emergency vehicles.
- Keep children away from lighters, matches and open fires.
- Don’t attempt to tackle fires that can’t be extinguished with a bucket of water – leave the area as quickly as possible.
- If you see a fire in the countryside, report it to NIFRS immediately by calling 999.
- If you see someone setting fires, report it to the PSNI.