A significant wildfire incident is currently unfolding near the iconic Mourne Mountains in County Down, leading authorities to believe that the fire may have been deliberately set. This alarming event has prompted the evacuation of residents living near the affected areas. Fire and rescue teams were deployed after a major incident was declared when the wildfire ignited on Sandbank Road in Hilltown around 5:00 PM BST on Saturday.
In the relentless struggle against the flames, more than 100 firefighters equipped with 15 fire engines worked through the night to subdue the blaze. According to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), the fire has spread across a stretch of approximately two miles, endangering large areas of forestry and threatening nearby properties.
The fire service has reported that a limited number of residents were asked to evacuate their homes during the height of the firefighting efforts. Chief Fire Officer Aidan Jennings communicated to the public about the extreme difficulties they faced due to high winds, which hampered their ability to control the fire effectively. He stated, “The cause of this fire is believed to have been deliberate,” emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. Jennings commended the tireless dedication and commitment exhibited by firefighters, control room operators, and other support staff in their ongoing mission to protect communities across Northern Ireland.
The situation required extensive coordination, and by approximately 3:00 AM BST, the fire service began scaling back operations at the scene. This wildfire outbreak coincided with an amber wildfire warning issued by the National Hazards Partnership, alerting communities to the potential for challenging fire conditions due to dry weather.
Mirroring this ongoing crisis, police have closed off areas such as Slievenaman Road in Newcastle due to another active gorse fire in the Mourne Mountains. Public access has been restricted, and NI Water announced the closure of the Silent Valley Mountain Park for public safety—an area that had recently partially reopened following the aftermath of Storm Éowyn. Ciaran Diamond from NI Water commented on this necessary precaution, stating, “Wildfires not only pose a risk to human life and wildlife but also to our drinking water catchment areas.”
The fire service has faced an influx of emergency calls related to the fire, recording a staggering total of 741 calls into its regional control center between midnight on April 3 and midnight on April 5. Jennings reiterated the importance of public vigilance during this risky period, assuring residents that normal service delivery continues despite ongoing challenges. Roads leading from Hilltown to Rostrevor and Sandbank Road were closed for a significant duration but have since been reopened in the wake of efforts to contain the fire.
The tragic frequency of wildfires in the Mourne Mountains over recent weeks indicates a pressing concern for environmental experts. Reports suggest that numerous fires are believed to have been intentionally ignited, prompting reactions from local authorities. The Minister for Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, condemned the wildfires for their destructive impact on the environment and wildlife, underscoring the need for community awareness and safety.
Overall, the incident highlights a complex intertwining of human activity and environmental safety in one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes, reigniting discussions about the preservation of natural habitats and the community’s role in safeguarding them from acts of arson and environmental negligence. As the situation develops, authorities remain on high alert, prepared to respond to any further outbreaks while emphasizing the community’s responsibility in these challenging circumstances.