Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Lighting Fire in Mournes
There has been widespread condemnation for the person(s) responsible for starting the fires in the Mournes near Hilltown in the past couple of days.
Police have now arrested a man, aged in his 20s, in connection with a large gorse fire in the Mournes.
For miles around the Sandbank Road area near Hilltown, thick smoke fills the air as the fire still smoulders as dry bracken, gorse and heather burned.
District Commander for Newry Mourne and Down Superintendent Norman Haslett said:xa0“Officers received a request for traffic and travel assistance from colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service on Saturday evening, 5th April.
“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.
“He remains in custody at this time as enquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
“Gorsexa0fires 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.
“We’re asking anyone who was in the Sandbank Road area of Hilltown yesterday and noticed anything out of the ordinary to make contact with us. Anyone who engages in this reckless behaviour should carefully consider the consequences of their actions, and will be subject to the full rigor of the law.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have any relevant dash-cam, CCTV or other video footage of the area that could help our investigation. Please call us on our non-emergency 101 number quoting reference number 1265 05/04/25.”
Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form viaxa0http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online atxa0
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Those behind Mournes fires must be held to account says Hazzard
• Hazzard says damage to the environment is devastating
South Down MP Chris Hazzard has slammed those involved in starting wildfires in Mourne Mountains in recent days and called for them to be held to account.
Over 100 firefighters tackled the blaze which started on Saturday and stretched for approximately two miles close to forestry and property.
The fire service also stated that the cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate.
Chris Hazzard said: “I want to extend my sincere thanks to the firefighters and emergency service personnel who have been working tirelessly through the night to protect lives and property as yet more fires continue to ravage large areas of the Mournes in recent days.
“Authorities indicated that the fire is believed to have been started deliberately and there has been an arrest. This is deeply concerning.
“There must be a full and rigorous investigation into the causes and consequences of these fires. The impact on local wildlife and the natural environment has been devastating, and many families have been forced to evacuate their homes.
“Those responsible must be held to account, and we must do all we can to support both the affected communities and the long-term recovery of the Mournes.”
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Alliance Representatives React To Mournes Fires
• Alliance Representatives express deep concerns following Mourne Mountains Fires
Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray and Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale expressed their concerns following reports that a huge gorse fire was spreading across the Mourne Mountains in County Down.
Andrew McMurray said: “This morning, I have been receiving multiple reports of fires across the Mourne Mountains. This news is extremely concerning as these fires are a result of deliberate fire lighting.
“They are causing significant damage to our environment and wildlife, while also putting many lives at risk.
“I would like to thank the NIFRS and their partner agencies, who have been working tirelessly throughout the night in difficult conditions to tackle the fires and bring them under control.
“I urge everyone to listen to the advice of the NIFRS, who are asking people to evacuate the mountains and not to travel to the area.
“The rise in these devastating incidents is primarily due to people being careless and igniting fires that rapidly spread across the countryside.
“It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution and think carefully before lighting any fire, as their actions can lead to catastrophic consequences. If these incidents continue, it won’t be long before lives are lost.”
Cllr Jill Truesdale added: “I would like to thank the efforts of the PSNI and NIFRS for their dedicated efforts and prompt response in addressing the Mourne fires.
“Given the potential risks posed by the recent fires, the PSNI has also been conducting additional preventative patrols in the area.
“I want to emphasise the importance of being vigilant when lighting fires or using any open flames outdoors, as they can spread very quickly and turn into a very serious situation.
“Many wild animals have also been harmed by the recent fires, and I would ask people to report any sightings of displaced ponies to Equine Halfway House Pony and Rescue Refuge or Newry, Mourne and Down PSNI.”
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McGrath: Greater care needed to end Mournes fires
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has called for people to take greater care in the vicinity of the Mourne Mountains to end regular fires.
He was speaking after the latest major incident at the weekend.
South Down MLA Mr McGrath said: “There are a number of reasons these fires start, from particular practices to careless visitors, but the consequences are significant.
“We are so lucky in this area to have such outstanding natural beauty on our doorsteps and I cannot understand why anyone would want to destroy that.
“Those responsible for this not only put the lives of our dedicated fire service staff at risk, they caused massive disruption for people living in this area – some of whom had to be evacuated from their homes – and caused serious destruction to the environment in the surrounding areas.
“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.
“I would urge anyone engaging in this kind of activity to stop and think about the harm they are causing to the local area.
“Anyone with any information should come forward to police and we need to see severe punishments handed down to anyone involved in this to dissuade others in future.”
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