Warning a firefighter could be killed as council discusses emergency wildfires motion

Over 145 wildfires, many of which are believed to have been “deliberate”, have raged across the Mourne Mountains since last Thursday (April 3) causing nearby Co Down residents to be evacuated from their homes. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) unanimously agreed an emergency motion on Monday (April 7) amid Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Andrew Muir (Alliance) condemning the actions of “rural arsonists”.

Bringing forward the motion, Mournes Sinn Fein rep, Willie Clarke said:”This council voices its grave concern over the recent spree of gorse fires across the Mourne Mountains.

“The council acknowledges the devastating impact that they have had on our rural countryside and will write to the DAERA Minister calling on him to bring forward a comprehensive management plan.

“This council commends the work fo the local authorities in combating these devastating fires with fire fighters from across the North battling the flames to protect life and property and recognises the ongoing preservation work of the Forever Mournes Partnership.”

The ‘Mountains of Mourne’, are a world-renowned Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) both in picturesque imagery and song lyrics by Percy French.

In 2023, the mountain range was also internationally recognised as part of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark for its geological history and cultural richness.

On Monday (April 7) night more than 60 NI Fires and Rescue Service (NIFRS) officers attended several blazes in the Mournes, including the Bloody Bridge fire front near Newcastle stretching for almost 2km.

The NIFRS was also at the scene of wildfires at Sawel Mountain near Newtownstewart, Carncullagh Road in Dervock, and another at Silent Valley near Kilkeel.

Cllr Clarke added: “Deliberate wildfires in the Mourne Mountains are nothing short of a heinous act against nature and our community.

“These fires not only devastate the beautiful landscapes and natural habitats that countless species call home, but they also pose severe risk to human life and property.

“Intentional destruction of such a natural resource is utterly reprehensible and cannot be tolerated. It is imperative that those responsible are held accountable for their actions and that we strengthen our effort to prevent such senseless acts of environmental vandalism in the future.”

NMDDC has been progressing with controversial plans to develop a £50m Mournes Gateway project with a gondola tourism attraction and visitor centres at Thomas Quarry at the top of the mountain and at the foot in Donard Park.

New designs on the major investment are to be brought froward this month, though it is not known when the public will see the proposed blue prints.

Concerns have been raised in chambers for visitor safety to the Mournes in light of the recent fires.

Almost 300 hectares of land was destroyed by wildfires in the mountains four years ago (April 2021), with the natural habitats still recovering.

All parties in the chamber echoed the sentiments of the emergency motion and backed the proposals.

The Mournes rep, concluded with a “manslaughter” warning to the those behind the arson attacks.

He said: “I would like to thank everybody for supporting the motion.

“It’s been talked about the cost to the environment and the community as well as tourism…huge cost involved, millions of pounds is what you are talking about with wildfires throughout the season.

“Resources are finite in the Assembly…if money could be made for prevention I think that is where that focus has to be with the Executive supporting the DAERA Minister in progressing a preventative plan.

“A number of councillors alluded to the risk to life and dropping water by helicopter to speed up the process of putting the fires out and all these need to be looked at.

“Someone will die if these irresponsible fires continue, it’ll be a fire-fighter, some walkers trapped, someone in their house, in a car. I call on those who are carrying out these attacks to desist from this carry on because you are going to be looking at manslaughter charges.

“The voice from this chamber is going out loud and clear, this has to stop.”