Fires sparked by youths in dry conditions

TWO blazes dealt with by firefighters in Londonderry were caused by youths setting local shrubs and vegetation alight, the local fire service has confirmed.

Fires were dealt with on Tuesday in both the Bay Road and Ballymagroarty areas.

A highly critical report by the NIAO has found several governance issues that need to be addressed by the fire service and Department of Public Safety.

placeholder image — A highly critical report by the NIAO has found several governance issues that need to be addressed by the fire service and Department of Public Safety.

A firefighter at the Northland Road Station said the conditions for gorse fires were unfortunately favourable due to the relatively dry conditions.

This has been the case across the province with 35 calls received by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) from locations across the province to whins, gorse, hedges, and heather on April 1 with crews having to request extra resources to attend to deal with some of the fires.