The Irish Air Corps have been drafted in to help tackle a huge gorse fire in Co Antrim.
The blaze at Glenariff broke out on Wednesday, as the NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) also faced another large wildfire near Clogher in Co Tyrone.
The fires prompted the NIFRS to declare a major indecent on Wednesday, and on Thursday the blaze at Glenariff continued to burn, with over 80 firefighters working at the site with 14 fire appliances.
The Irish Air Corp provided assistance, with helicopters used to drop water at the fire site, which by Thursday had a firefront of around a kilometre.
The Glenariff fire is expected to continue to burn into at least Friday, the fire service has warned.
NIFRS deputy chief fire and rescue officer Paul Harper said: “The support of our colleagues from the Irish Air Corps is most welcomed as firefighters from right across Northern Ireland continue to work in punishing conditions to bring this blaze under control.
“Deploying water directly on to the fire from the air will greatly enhance our firefighting operations.
“Due to the deep-seated nature of the fire and the sheer size and scale, a formal request was made for a specialist aerial resource.
He added: “Thank you to the Irish Air Corps for their support and to all our partner agencies for their ongoing assistance.”
Mr Harper also asked for the public’s help in preventing gorse fires.
Gorse contains flammable oil and is susceptible to fire in dry and hot weather conditions.
“We have implemented several contingencies to ensure we can maintain a response to all types of emergencies today,” Mr Harper said.
“We continue to do all we can to support our firefighters on the frontline during this challenging time.
“To maintain our operational response across Northern Ireland we need the support of the community to help avoid further gorse fires during this exceptionally dry period.
“We expect the gorse fire in Glenariff to continue for another 24 to 48 hours. Please act safely, be responsible and be vigilant when it comes to enjoying the countryside.”
