Emergency services tackle wildfire near Mourne Mountains
It broke out yesterday afternoon
Last updated 6th Apr 2025
Dozens of firefighters have been tackling a wildfire near the Mourne Mountains overnight.
A call was received by Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue service shortly after 5pm on Saturday.
The fire front - which centres on Hilltown - had at its height - a fire front of approximately two miles.
On Sunday afternoon, police said a 25-year old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Road closures were in place overnight, with local diversions in place. These closures have now been lifted. Police also assisted with the evacuation of nearby residents.
“Officers’ conducting follow up enquiries have since arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, and non-related driving offences.
“He remains in custody at this time as enquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
“Gorse fires have the potential to cause widespread damage to the environment and harm to wildlife as well as threatening homes, farms and the people living in those areas.
“We’re asking anyone who was in the Sandbank Road area of Hilltown yesterday and noticed anything out of the ordinary to make contact with us. Anyone who engages in this reckless behaviour should carefully consider the consequences of their actions, and will be subject to the full rigor of the law."
A Fire Service spokesperson says resources were being reduced from 3 o'clock on Sunday morning - with the cause of the fire believed to have been deliberate.