FIREFIGHTERS have been battling a large gorse fire in north Antrim for more than a day.
The fire on bogland around Drumack Road in Rasharkin is 800 metres long.
People living nearby have been warned to keep their windows closed due to heavy smoke.
The smoke is also affecting visibility on the roads.
We are dealing with a significant gorse fire in the Drumack Road area of
— NIFRS (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) July 5, 2018
Rasharkin. 6 appliances and specialist Wildfire Resources are currently at the
scene. Residents advised to keep windows closed. https://t.co/jYYotDWCTP pic.twitter.com/Ao5GnaMe7E
A Fire Service spokesman said six fire engines and specialist wildlife officers at at the scene.
"Firefighters have been tackling the fire for 24 hours in challenging conditions," he said.
"The size of the fire has fluctuated due to the direction and strength of the wind and the materials involved – heavy gorse and peat."
He added: “Smoke from the fire is impacting roads in the neighbouring area and we advise motorists to take care. Residents in the local area are advised to keep their windows closed.”
Gorse Fire Rasharkin!! @bbcnewsline @barrabest @angie_weather @UTVNews @KBeltonMUFC @kevingerardmcl @donsters pic.twitter.com/qbec5GzmNx
— Laurance Belton (@lornybelton) July 4, 2018
The Fire Service said it has dealt with 665 gorse fires in the last week alone.
Whilst we have put contingency measures in place we are appealing to the public to help support us to reduce the number of fires and related incidents. Here's how you can help prevent gorse fires... #HelpUsToHelpYou #ProtectingOurCommunity #wildfireaware pic.twitter.com/YLUMGLjpEs
— NIFRS (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) July 5, 2018
