Huge wildfire rages as plumes of smoke billows over homes lighting up night sky

Huge flames can be seen rising into the night sky across Belfast as fire crews tackle wildfire covering hundreds of metres of woodland.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said that two fire engines have been tackling the gorse fire on Cave Hill, in north Belfast, which started shortly before 9pm on Wednesday night.

Social media images show the massive blaze with large plumes of smoke billowing up and people have voiced their worry for the wildlife which is thought to have been devastated.

It follows a spate of gorse fires on the mountain earlier this year that devastated wildlife, reported BelfastLive.

In a tweet, SDLP Councillor Carl Whyte said: "Gorsefire on Cavehill tonight with smoke and flames visible. Spoke to @NIFRSOFFICIAL on scene - two crews attending and on the mountain now to hopefully extinguish fire."

Images suggest hundreds of metres of woodland has been on fire (Twitter)

A tweet from the NIFRS at 11pm read: "NIFRS remain in attendance at a gorse fire at Cavehill.

"There is no risk to life or property, and fire crews will remain on scene throughout the night to closely monitor and assess the incident.

"Please avoid the area and keep windows closed as a precaution."

A clearer start to the evening has given way to night making any firefighting efforts more dangerous.

The sky above Belfast has been lit up by the devastating fires (Twitter)

One person tweeted: “Another awful sight tonight on Cave Hill.”

Another posted a pic of the flames and wrote: “From the bedroom window. An absolute disgrace. God bless the Cavehill. Horrific scenes. Damaged for years. Not just the land.”

A further stated: “View from our house. Really high flames and heavy black smoke. Strong smell of burning wood after days of no rain."

Alliance representative Nuala McAllister said: "I have a very worried Finn at home who cannot sleep worrying for all the animals on the Cavehill.

Two sets of fire crews have been tackling the wildfire (Twitter)

"So worrying to see so many fires recently here. Two fire pumps were out as soon as it was seen, and know they won't stop until it's out with extra support."

Sinn Fein MLA Caral NiChuilin tweeted: "Hoping the fire on Cavehill is put out & fire fighters are safe. It’s distressing seeing fires on mountains."

Footage shared on social media suggests the blaze has already destroyed hundreds of metres of woodland and scrubland.

At a time of year when birds are actively nesting there are fears that the fires could devastate local wildlife for years to come.