Deputy First Minister slams ‘wanton destruction’ after gorse blazes devastate Mourne mountains

Emma Little-Pengelly said the “wanton destruction” of our natural landscape must stop after another huge blaze engulfed a vast stretch of the Mourne Mountains.

Emergency services declared a “major incident” on Saturday evening as dozens of firefighters tackled the wildfire, which is believed to have been started deliberately.

A man was arrested on suspicion of arson. He was later released.

Today new gorse fires were spreading across the Mournes. Fire crews were sent to tackle wildfires in the Silent Valley and Ben Crom areas of Newcastle.

A senior PSNI officer urged anyone engaging “in this reckless behaviour” to “carefully consider the consequences of their actions”.

Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “Gorse fires have the potential to cause widespread damage to the environment and harm to wildlife as well as threatening homes, farms and the people living in those areas.”

Mr Haslett, who is District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, said: “The gorse fire, which is being treated as deliberate ignition, was ablaze in the Sandbank Road area of Hilltown.

“Road closures were in place overnight, with local diversions in place. These closures have now been lifted. Police also assisted with the evacuation of nearby residents.

“Officers conducting follow up enquiries have since arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, and non-related driving offences.”

This evening the PSNI said the man had been released on bail to allow further enquiries to take place.

It is the latest in a spate of gorse fires across Northern Ireland, exacerbated by days of dry weather.

In a post on X, the Deputy First Minister slammed those who are torching the countryside deliberately.

Ms Little-Pengelly said: “It really is appalling, and while I'm glad that the PSNI have arrested someone it is incredibly sad to see wanton destruction and abuse of our beautiful natural heritage by fire on such a regular basis when we have a spell of good and dry weather. It needs to stop.”

South Down MP Chris Hazzard said those responsible for fires in the Mournes should be held to account.

"Authorities have indicated that the fire is believed to have been started deliberately. This is deeply concerning,” he said.

“There must be a full and rigorous investigation into the causes and consequences of these fires.”

Colin McGrath, an SDLP MLA, said he cannot understand why anyone would want to destroy the natural beauty of his constituency.

“We cannot allow these fires to become an annual threat to our homes, health and environment and if we continue to see fires of this magnitude I fear that someone will be seriously hurt or even worse,” he said.

Alliance MLA Andrew McMurray said many of the fires are deliberate.

“They are causing significant damage to our environment and wildlife, while also putting many lives at risk," he added.

Over 100 firefighters dealt with Saturday night’s blaze.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said it was mobilised at 5pm to a significant wildfire on Sandbank Road in Hilltown. It said there was a fire-front of approximately two miles including a large area of forestry close to property.

At its height, 15 fire appliances worked with partner agencies in difficult conditions and high winds through the night.

Some residents were evacuated from their homes on the Sandbank and Kilbroney roads.

At 3am, the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service began reducing resources at the wildfire incident.

However, the PSNI said a new gorse fire was underway in a separate location today.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “The Slievenaman Road, Newcastle is closed this morning due to a gorse fire in the Mournes. Ott Car Park is also closed – members of the public, including road users, are asked not to travel to the area.”

NI Water also announced that Silent Valley Mountain Park will be temporarily closed.

“We know how much our visitors love Silent Valley and earlier this week we had partially reopened the park in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn,” NI Water’s Ciaran Diamond said.

“However, NI Water must ensure public safety so the park will be closed from today, Sunday, until further notice.

“We would like to reiterate our appeal to the public to be vigilant. Wildfires not only pose a risk to human life, wildlife and the environment but also our drinking water catchment areas,” he added.

Chief Fire & Rescue officer Aidan Jennings said from midnight on April 3 to midnight on April 5, the fire service has received 741 calls into its regional control centre.

“An amber warning remains in place for wildfires across Northern Ireland. NIFRS are asking the public to remain particularly vigilant to the risk of fire at this time. We can reassure members of the public that normal service delivery is being maintained.”