Firefighters in Northern Ireland have responded to at least 146 wildfires since midnight Thursday, as the Northern Ireland wildfires Mourne Mountains emergency intensifies. A major incident was declared over the weekend after a significant wildfire near the Mourne Mountains led to home evacuations and widespread environmental damage.
The fire near Bloody Bridge in Newcastle is being treated as arson, with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) deploying 34 personnel and four appliances to the area. Firefighters are also tackling blazes in Silent Valley, Ben Crom, and forestry areas in Dervock, County Antrim.
Fire Crews Battle Remote Fires With Limited Resources
NIFRS Area Commander David Harbinson said the Bloody Bridge fire could impact Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak. With no direct water access, crews are physically beating back the flames across a one-mile fire front using basic tools. Drones have been deployed to monitor the spread.
Since Thursday, the NIFRS has handled 997 emergency calls, with 146 linked to gorse fires. Officials said many of these wildfires were deliberate, caused by reckless outdoor activity such as unattended campfires or BBQs.
Warnings Remain in Effect Amid Environmental Devastation
A national yellow wildfire warning remains in place across Northern Ireland, although the easing of easterly winds is expected to help containment efforts. BBC NI’s weather team said wildfires remain likely but more manageable in the coming days. An amber alert had been active since Friday.
Environment Minister Andrew Muir described the fires’ environmental toll as “significant,” noting hundreds of acres of protected land have been destroyed. He warned of potential loss of life if malicious fire-starting continues and said efforts to develop a wildfire management plan are ongoing, though a recent tender received no successful bids.
Political Criticism and Call for Burn Period Review
Sinn Féin MP for South Down Chris Hazzard criticized Muir for failing to visit the Mourne Mountains during the crisis. He also demanded a fire prevention management plan, promised after a major blaze in 2021.
Hazzard has called for a review of Northern Ireland’s legal burn period, currently spanning from 1 September to 14 April. Muir welcomed the discussion, suggesting alignment with Republic of Ireland regulations may be needed to reduce wildfire risk.
Mourne Mountain Rescue Warns Public to Stay Alert
Martin McMullan of Mourne Mountain Rescue expressed concern over the thousands of hikers in the region during the wildfire outbreak. He urged the public to remain aware of fire locations to avoid entrapment, describing the environmental damage as “absolutely devastating.”
Silent Valley Mountain Park remains closed due to ongoing fire risks, just weeks after reopening following damage from Storm Éowyn. Northern Ireland Water, which owns large portions of the Mourne Mountains, confirmed the closure.
Residents Evacuated as Wildfires Threaten Homes
A number of homes were evacuated on Sandbank Road during the weekend. One resident recalled being woken by police at 3am as flames surrounded the area. “It was all burning… a lot of smoke,” she said. “Thankfully the firefighters got it all sorted.”
The fire service has reassured the public that essential operations continue as normal despite the wildfire emergency, but urged continued vigilance as investigations continue into multiple suspected arson incidents.
