Sixty-two firefighters tackle ‘devastating’ gorse fire on Mourne Mountains

The blaze on Slieve Binnian close to Kilkeel was reported at around 7pm and is the second major fire the NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has had to deal with in the area in the last three days.

Photographs of the incident appear to show the fire spreading across a large section of the mountain, with large plumes of smoke visible from some distance.

"Please can people stay away from the area” – Diane Forsythe MLA

Six fire engines from Kilkeel, Downpatrick, Newcastle, Rathfriland and Newry were dispatched to the fire, as well as a command support unit.

Four wheel drive vehicles are also in attendance, with 62 firefighters involved in tackling the blaze.

Firefighters were called to a similar incident on Monday night, while there were two more wildfires last week, one near Silent Valley and the other close to Castlewellan.

The latter is believed to have been started deliberately.

DUP MLA Diane Forsythe said the fire was “devastating”.

"I spoke on this in the Assembly on Tuesday thanking the NIFRS and took the opportunity to remind people to exercise fire safety,” she said.

"However here we are again looking at our beautiful mountains in shock and despair as the dangerous fire spreads again. I pray for the safety of the firefighters.

"I will be asking PSNI to increase patrols in the area as careless behaviour in the countryside starts these fires.

"I call on people to stay safe and respect the countryside, especially our beautiful Mourne mountains and surrounding nature.”

It comes after the NIFRS issued a reminder earlier this month for the public to be vigilant in protecting the countryside from wildfires – usually caused by preventable human behaviour.

NIFRS Group Commander Paul Morrow said: “Every year our Fire & Rescue Service is faced with fires in the countryside. These fires can be unpredictable and spread fast, especially during dry weather.

“Not only does this have a devastating impact on our environment and wildlife but it puts people’s lives at risk. The severity of the incidents puts an added pressure on our Service and partner agencies who are working in extreme, high temperatures to put wildfires out.

“Very often these fires are started deliberately. Purposely setting a wildfire is a criminal offence. If you see someone intentionally setting a fire please report it immediately by calling 999.

News Catch Up - Wednesday 26 March

“The responsibility of preventing fires belongs to all of us and we all need to do our part in protecting our beautiful countryside and green spaces.

"Please avoid using open fires and extinguish smoking materials, barbeques, camping fires and any other type of flame.”

Last week, NI Water also appealed to the public, highlighting the danger posed to the water supply.

"Many areas which might be prone to wildfires such as the Mourne Mountains are also areas which provide our drinking water,” said Catchment Liaison Officer Rebecca Allen.

"Work still continues to restore the habitat from the fires in the Mourne Mountains in April 2021.

"NI Water has been part of that huge conservation effort and four years on we have all come so far, we don’t want to see all the years of hard work undone.”