Fire crews tackle Rathlin blaze

Fire crews from across east Antrim have helped to bring a large gorse fire on Rathlin Island under control.
The gorse fire on Rathlin Island. Picture by Kevin McAuley.The gorse fire on Rathlin Island. Picture by Kevin McAuley.
The gorse fire on Rathlin Island. Picture by Kevin McAuley.

Emergency services were called to the island around 1pm on Thursday, to respond to the blaze that spanned more than a kilometre across.

Crews with equipment from across east Antrim and beyond responded to the call and made their way to the island on the Rathlin ferry.

It’s believed the fire began after rubbish caught fire and there have been no reports of any injuries.

Fire Service group commander Fergal Leonard said: “It was difficult for us in terms of access to get at the fire, so it was very important that we dedicated our resources to this, obviously to protect the life and property that there is on Rathlin Island, and also there are sites of special scientific interest, there’s nesting birds on the island.”