Fire crews tackle huge Derry forest blaze

Firefighters are today battling a forest fire in Co Derry covering an area the size of 60 football pitches.

The fire was reported in Broughderg Forest close to Six Towns, near Draperstown, around 3pm yesterday.

Up to 90 firefighters from across the North were involved in the operation at its height, and a police helicopter was used to survey the 40-acre site.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said the rugged terrain and lack of water supplies made its task more difficult, while strong winds helped the flames spread through the treetops.

The cause of the blaze has yet to be established.