Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Gorse fire on Glenshane Pass

Firefighters will maintain a watching brief overnight at the scene of a gorse fire on the Glenshane Pass in County Londonderry.

The fire is in a remote area of the Sperrins near Dungiven.

Mark Smyth from the NI Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said "great progress" had been made throughout Thursday.

He said there is a possibility the fire could burn out overnight, but if it does not the operation will resume on Friday.

The fire was first reported at 04:57 BST on Wednesday morning.

Heat prevented fire crews getting to the scene for much of the day and they were taken to the scene by helicopter on Wednesday evening.

Conditions were more favourable on Thursday and four fire appliances and a command support unit attended the scene.

One appliance will stay at the scene on Thursday night.

Image copyright Kevin McCloskey Image caption Both the Forest Service and Coastguard are also involved in the operation

Commander Smyth said they were helped by the weather.

"The good news is that there isn't much wind, and the wind is blowing against the fire and helping contain it.

"The fire has encroached on part of the forest but the hope is that it will burn out when it hits the more mature trees which tend to burn more slowly," he said.

On Wednesday Commander Smyth said the fire was caused by some sort of human error.

"Be very careful not to be putting heat into dry ground and lighting barbecues.

"This was one of our most difficult incidents because of access. It was very dangerous terrain."

The fire is spread across an area of 800-1000 hectares with three seats of fire.</s>A wildfire warning has been put in place for the weekend as firefighters continue to tackle a blaze in woods near Bathgate.

More than 50 firefighters are working at the scene by Falla Hill Place in Fauldhouse, West Lothian, to extinguish pockets of the fire, which took hold in trees and dry vegetation.

Crews were first called at around 5pm on Wednesday, with the fire covering a 200m area.

READ MORE: Soaring temperatures cause 200m wildfire near Bathgate

It comes amid a heatwave across Scotland, with a wildfire warning in place until Monday.

Bruce Farquharson, chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, said: “Grass and wildfires are a common risk at this time of year when warmer weather dries out vegetation - especially dead winter foliage - which offers an ample fuel source.

“Just one heat source can cause it to ignite and if the wind changes direction, even the smallest fire can spread uncontrollably and devastate entire hillsides.

“A great many people will be enjoying the outdoors in the good weather this weekend, we urge everyone to make sure that they don’t increase the chance of wildfire - be aware of the risks and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.”

READ MORE: Spectacular drone footage captures wildfire on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh

A similar warning came last month as wildfires broke out in the Highlands and on Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh, while the fire service in England is currently dealing with a massive blaze on Saddleworth Moor.

No injuries have been reported at the Fauldhouse fire.

Group manager Mark Bryce said: “The fire has not spread any further but it has taken hold within trees and heavy vegetation and the terrain out here is proving difficult and challenging.

“We are using aggressive firefighting tactics to extinguish it as soon as possible.

“It is very hot out here but our crews are working very effectively and I thoroughly commend them for that effort.

“I would like to say thank-you to not only our partners but to the wider local community for their truly outstanding support.”</s>The scale of the massive gorse fire on the Glenshane Pass in County Londonderry becoems clear thanks to drone footage.

Mark Smyth, Group Commander for the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), says it is believed the fire was started by "human error".

He says it has been one of NIFRS' most difficult incident. Thanks to Kevin McCloskey for the footage.</s>The scale of the massive gorse fire on the Glenshane Pass in County Londonderry becoems clear thanks to drone footage.

Mark Smyth, Group Commander for the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), says it is believed the fire was started by "human error".

He says it has been one of NIFRS' most difficult incident. Thanks to Kevin McCloskey for the footage.</s>The BC Wildfire Services are currently tracking 12 fires in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District (BVLD).

This number has decreased from the 19 they were tracking yesterday (Sunday), due to some great firefighting efforts and a little help from mother nature.

BC Wildfire Services Information Officer, Carlee Kachman, talks about the positive progression over the last couple days.

“We’ve been very fortunate to see some favorable conditions over the last 24 hours. Cooler temperatures mixed with scattered rain throughout the region has certainly helped the efforts of firefighters throughout the BVLD. Since June 20th, there were 36 reported fires and now we’re down to 12. We’ve reduced those numbers by two thirds which is a really positive sign.”

Of the 12 wildfires in the region, some are garnering more attention than others, for obvious reasons.

The Taltapin Lake fire is about 134 hectares in size. Kachman says today (Monday), there will be 45 personnel on site, 5 pieces of large machinery, and 1 helicopter battling this blaze.

The New Bird Lake wildfire is about five kilometers south of Cheslatta Lake and is currently estimated to be 55 hectares in size. This fire is currently under the status of what is known as “being held”. This means that sufficient suppression action has taken place and that the fire is not likely to spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries under the prevailing and forecasted conditions.

The wildfires near Maxan Lake, Endako, and Four Mile Creek have now been listed as under control.

Kachman finished by saying public engagement during wildfire season is key.

“Always be aware of conditions while you’re doing any sort of burn and be sure to check for any fire restrictions in your region. It’s also very important that residents know they play a vital role in wildfire season. Without their calls or emails, we would be behind in terms of firefighting efforts. If you see anything that looks out of the norm, be sure to contact us at the BC Wildfire Services immediately.”

More on the BC Wildfire Services can be found here.</s>Around 55 firefighters are continuing to work to put out a wildfire that has taken hold in West Lothian.

Scotish Fire and Rescue crews were scrambled along with six fire engines to Falla Hill Place in Fauldhouse when the alarm was first raised at 5.08pm on Wednesday, June 27.

Those crews worked through the night to tackle the flames which had taken hold of a 200 metre-wide area of woodland.

A further three fire engines were mobilised to the scene on Thursday.

There are no casualties and pupils and staff from Fallahill Primary have been keeping firefighters going with food and drink.

It comes as a wildfire warning remains in place until Monday, July 2.

During last month’s warning, firefighters worked to extinguish a series of wildfires that swept across the Highlands and Islands as well as Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh.

Read more: Daughter hopes to raise awareness of rare condition after father dies aged 52

Group manager Mark Bryce is the officer in charge of the Bathgate incident.

He said: “The fire has not spread any further but it has taken hold within trees and heavy vegetation and the terrain out here is proving difficult and challenging.

“We are using aggressive firefighting tactics to extinguish it as soon as possible.

“It is very hot out here but our crews are working very effectively and I thoroughly commend them for that effort.

“I would like to say thank you to not only our partners but to the wider local community for their truly outstanding support.”

The wider wildfire warning currently in place across Scotland was flagged on Wednesday, June 27.

Read more: Shocking review of NHS Lothian reveals culture of bullying and harassment

SFRS area manager Bruce Farquharson is the chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum.

He said: “Grass and wildfires are a common risk at this time of year when warmer weather dries out vegetation – especially dead winter foliage – which offers an ample fuel source.

“Just one heat source can cause it to ignite and if the wind changes direction even the smallest fire can spread uncontrollably and devastate entire hillsides.”

He added: “A great many people will be enjoying the outdoors in the good weather this weekend, we urge everyone to make sure that they don’t increase the chance of wildfire – be aware of the risks and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

For further advice and information about wildfires and how to prevent them visit: www.firescotland.gov.uk or www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/</s>There are 51 firefighters and one helicopter on the ground

An image of the fire south of Anahim Lake, June 24, 2018. BC Wildfire Twitter photo

The wildfire approximately 37 kilometres southeast of Anahim Lake is no longer a wildfire of note.

“Crews did make significant progress on the fire and it is now 100 per cent contained,” says Robyn Clark, a Fire Information Officer for the Cariboo Fire Centre.

The 91 hectare fire is being held after firefighters tied guards on the east and west flanks of the fire into lakes to the north and south of the fire.

There are currently 51 firefighters and one helicopter on scene.

“The crews will just continue mopping up hot spots and working in towards the interior of the fire,” adds Clark.

The fire is currently at a rank 1 burn, meaning it is smouldering, but there are currently no open flames.

More information on B.C. wildfires can be found by visiting the BC Wildfire Service interactive map.

READ MORE: Wildfire south of Anahim Lake 50 per cent contained



heather.norman@quesnelobserver.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter</s>An out-of-control wildfire burning southeast of Hinton, Alta. had swollen to an estimated 350 hectares in size by Wednesday night and officials said 25 firefighters were working along with heavy equipment to battle the blaze.

As of 7:45 p.m., the fire was located about 15 kilometres southeast of the central Alberta town of about 10,000 people. However, Alberta Wildfire said winds were coming from the west and the fire was moving east, away from the town and no communities were “presently at risk.”

“There are airtankers dropping retardant and helicopters bucketing on this wildfire,” Alberta Wildfire said on its website. “We are doing our best right now to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible.

READ MORE: Nova Scotia sends 27-member crew to fight wildfires in Alberta

Officials said high winds, combined with a lack of precipitation, have created a “very high” wildfire danger in the Edson Forest Area.

“Anytime you get dry conditions with winds that are fairly excessive, these smaller fires are able to grow very quickly and sort of become larger fires,” Travis Fairweather, an information officer with Alberta Wildfire, told Global News.

Mike Boyko is working in the Hinton area and said he first realized a wildfire was likely burning somewhere in the area shortly after lunch.

“I noticed a smoke plume coming from south of town and then after work it came closer to the Hinton area and I noticed it was not too far away,” he told Global News, adding he’s been told, “we’re in no immediate danger.”

Boyko said despite that, some people in town are taking precautions just in case.

“There’s a recent history in Alberta with wildfires and we’ve been keeping a watchful eye,” he said.

Fairweather said he understands why people may be worried but that at this point, he’s confident there is no threat.

“When you get a fire of this size and this activity, you’re going to see a lot of smoke and that smoke can travel a lot further than the fire would so it would appear very close to the town and obviously give people a bit of concern,” he said. “But the fire is a very far distance away right now.

People are asked to use “extreme caution” when having a campfire in the area. Any other type of burning in the Forest Protection Area requires a permit.

Since March 1, there have been 75 wildfires in the Edson Forest Area.

READ MORE: Alberta fire season: latest status of wildfires and number of fire bans

For the most up-to-date information on the blaze, Alberta Wildfire recommends area residents download the wildfire app, which is available for both Apple and Android devices.

Hinton is located about 285 kilomtres west of Edmonton.</s>“Last summer’s unprecedented wildfires highlight the need to always be careful with any fire use.”

Last week’s record-high temperatures, widespread lightning storms and a dramatic spike in wildfire activity served as stark reminders of how quickly British Columbia’s landscapes can dry out, and how important it is to prevent human-caused wildfires.

From April 1 through June 27, 2018, the BC Wildfire Service responded to 568 wildfires in B.C., of which about 40 per cent are believed to have been caused by people. Human-caused fires are completely preventable and unnecessarily divert crucial firefighting resources away from naturally occurring wildfires.

“Last summer’s unprecedented wildfire season highlights the need to always be careful with any fire use,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. “I encourage everyone to be responsible as they are enjoying B.C.’s beautiful outdoors this Canada Day long weekend.”

Campfires are currently permitted throughout the province, but larger Category 2 and Category 3 open fires are prohibited in some areas, to reduce wildfire risks and protect public safety.

The use of fireworks is also prohibited in some regions.

Local governments might also have their own burning restrictions or bylaws in place, so always check with local authorities before lighting any fire of any size.

* Campfires must not be larger than 0.5 metres high or 0.5 metres wide.

* Never light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and wind may carry embers to other combustible material.

* Maintain a fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed right down to the soil.

* Have a shovel or at least eight litres of water available to properly extinguish your campfire. Make sure that the ashes are cold to the touch before leaving the area for any length of time.

Anyone riding an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike on Crown land must have a spark arrestor installed on the vehicle. Check the condition of the muffler, regularly clear build-ups of grass or other vegetation from hot spots, stay on dirt paths and avoid tall grass and weeds to help reduce wildfire risks.

Smokers must dispose of cigarette butts and other smoking material responsibly, making sure that these materials are completely extinguished.

The government’s natural resource officers and conservation officers conduct regular patrols throughout British Columbia, monitoring high-risk activities and looking out for potential damage. These officers also work closely with BC Wildfire Service staff to investigate the cause of wildfires, and any improper use of fire.

Anyone who lights a campfire is legally responsible for making sure it doesn’t escape. That person could be held accountable for damages and fire suppression costs if his or her negligence results in a wildfire. Anyone found in contravention of an open burning prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.

To report a wildfire, unattended campfire or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.</s>A wildfire covering about 350 hectares is burning out of control near Hinton, Alta.

Airtankers have been dropping retardant on the flames, while helicopters have been dropping buckets of water, according to Alberta Wildfire. Twenty-five firefighters are using heavy equipment to try to contain the blaze, which is located about 15 kilometres southeast of the town of Hinton.

An RCMP spokesperson said there haven't been any evacuations and there aren't any roadblocks in the area. Surrounding communities aren't currently at risk, Alberta Wildfire says.

Winds are moving from the west, and the fire is moving east.

Fire danger in the area is very high, due to high winds and a lack of precipitation.

The cause of the fire is under investigation
A large wildfire has broken out in Glenshane Pass in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, rapidly growing to cover around one square mile of dry gorse. High temperatures hamper efforts to tackle the wildfire, and firefighters have to be airlifted close to the front line.