GORSE FIRESTRAIN

Mr McStay said the fire service had been called to nine separate incidents on Monday across the area, in some cases, leaving the town stripped of emergency fire cover.

One of the fires started in central Craigavon came dangerously close to an oil tank in a Lismore Manor home.

The station commander said: "We have been flat out in the past few weeks tackling these fires.

"In some cases the one engine is able to deal with them and in other cases we have to send both - leaving the town stripped of cover.

"God forbid but if a house fire or car crash happened while we were out tackling these fires then crews from Portadown or Banbridge would have to be drafted in."

Before Monday the fire service said it dealt with eight gorse fires locally between April 7 and 11, Martin continued: "These fires are draining on the crews.

"Often they are difficult to reach and the fire fighters have to carry heavy equipment to the area, in all their gear and in the heat.

"We have dedicated crews, some who have full-time jobs and leave their families and employment when a call comes in.

"And its not a 10 minute job, sometimes you could be out for two hours or more - it is very draining."

He added: "It's very important the public do all they can to be vigilant and try to put a stop to people lighting these fires.

"I would appeal to anyone who sees anybody trying to start a fire to either contact ourselves or the police as soon as possible."

Sinn Fein councillor Johnny McGibbon called on parents, landowners and the authorities to take immediate action to end the threat to life.

He said: "This situation is unacceptable and I will be calling for a meeting with officials from the council’s environmental department to ascertain the ownership of lands which remain untended year after year.

"I will be seeking answers on why potentially hazardous undergrowth is allowed to remain uncut in areas with a high intensity of housing.”

Cllr McGibbon continued: "Grass fires are responsible for quite a lot of secondary damage through dirt and contamination caused by smoke and ash and the cost of this has to be borne by the individual householder.

"The fire service also has to bear a substantial cost dealing with these constant fires.

"This cost, both in terms of actually monetary value and more importantly the tying up of essential emergency services must surely outweigh the cost of maintaining the undergrowth and immediate action has to be taken to plan-out this hazard."