Police Appeal Over Gorse Fires

“The thought that individuals may be deliberately causing such destruction is very hard to comprehend,” said ACC Gary White. “Not only are they putting livestock in danger, and destroying the habitat of wildlife but as seen in the necessary evacuations in Annalong and the Lenamore Road in Omagh homes and therefore the lives of residents are being threatened. “A fire on the Munie road in Ballymena around 5pm on the evening of Friday 29 April is believed to be a deliberate ignition. The fire claimed around 40 acres of gorse land and numerous trees and at one stage a farm house and out buildings were in danger. “We thank the members of the public for their support and understanding so far and urge them to continue to assist us with as much information as they can.xa0 I would also appeal to those people who are causing the fires to think of their actions and the consequences involved which will most certainly include prosecution. “It might seem fun and a bit of bravado to set a piece of gorse on fire, but with the current weather conditions a small fire can quickly get out of control; change direction and spread rapidly.” Anyone with information should contact their local police on 0845 600 8000.]]>