Mournes Arsonists Do Damage That Will Last For Years Says Clarke
Sinn Féin Mournes Councillor Willie Clarke has strongly condemned those responsible for a series of deliberate fires across the Mourne area, describing the incidents as reckless acts that threaten both the natural environment and local communities.
Fires were reported at Slievenaman Road and Ballagh Road in Newcastle, as well as Sandbank Road in Hilltown, causing widespread concern due to the severe and long-lasting damage they inflict.
Cllr Clarke said these acts of arson are not only destructive in the immediate sense but have consequences that will be felt for years to come.
“These fires damage fragile habitats, devastate wildlife, and significantly impact water quality. They also pose a very real danger to nearby homes and, most importantly, to human life,” he said.
He emphasised the unique significance of the Mourne Mountains, widely known as the “Mountains of Mourne,” a world-renowned Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
In 2023, the range also received international recognition as part of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting both its geological importance and rich cultural heritage.
“Deliberate wildfires in the Mourne Mountains are nothing short of an attack against nature and our community,” added Cllr Clarke. “These fires devastate the landscapes that countless species depend on and place enormous pressure on already stretched emergency services.”
Cllr Clarke paid tribute to the dedication and professionalism of the emergency responders saying “I want to commend our blue light services, particularly the firefighters from across the North, who have worked tirelessly in extremely challenging conditions to combat these devastating fires and protect life and property.
“I would also like to thank local businesses for donating food to frontline fire-fighters .”
He also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Forever Mournes Partnership in preserving and protecting the area, noting that their work rewetting peatlands, is vital in safeguarding the future of the region.
Highlighting the broader impact, he warned that malicious fires place an unsustainable burden on limited resources, particularly as the region approaches the summer months. He urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the PSNI.
Cllr Clarke said: “The damage caused by gorse fires is long-lasting, and areas of outstanding natural beauty can take years to recover.”
He added that it is essential that recommendations from the wildfire action plan are implemented as quickly as possible, particularly education campaigns and land management, removing large areas of gorse, the creation of fire breaks, controlled burning, and with DEARA, working with land owners and trustees to ensure improved land management.
