NIFRS crews tackling large incident in Co Fermanagh and other smaller gorse fires across province

The initial call to the blaze in Brookeborough was received at 12:10pm.

Currently 85 firefighters from stations in Enniskillen, Fintona, Clogher, Dungannon, Irvinestown, Newtownhamilton, Lurgan, Portadown, Banbridge, Lisnaskea, Cookstown, Pomeroy and Newtownstewart are attending. A Command Support Unit from Strabane Station is also in attendance.

A NIFRS spokesperson added: “Crews are currently working hard to bring the incident under control. Local residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed, and members of the public are asked to avoid the area to support firefighting operations.

"NIFRS request the public act responsibly if you are in the countryside this weekend. If you see a fire, call 999 immediately. We would like to thank the public for their patience whilst we deal with this incident.”

Police are also in attendance at Brookeborough with motorists advised to seek an alternative route for their journey.

With firefighters having in recent days responded to gorse fires at Dungiven and the Mournes, Executive Ministers, NIFRS and PSNI have issued a joint statement calling on the need for everyone to play their part in reducing the risk of harm to the countryside.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “From the 25 to 29 April 2026, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service was involved in resolving three significant wildfire incidents, with 65 Fire Service vehicles deployed and over 300 crew attending the incidents.

"It has been estimated that approximately 2500 hectares of land has been impacted. This level of impact is shocking and quite frankly unsustainable. As of today, that is six significant wildfires.

“These wildfires threaten public health, devastate important habitats, impact local livelihoods and place unacceptable pressure on emergency and health services. Where they are started deliberately, those responsible should face criminal penalties."