Firefighting operations stepped up on Mourne Mountains
Members of the public are being asked not to gather in the immediate area
Last updated 24th Apr 2021
Firefighting operations are being stepped up on the Mourne Mountains this morning.
A large gorse fire in the Slieve Donard area has been ongoing since Friday morning, with smoke visible from as far away as Downpatrick.
Yesterday up to 60 firefighters and 12 appliances tackled the blaze in County Down.
We're told a large number of resources will be in attendance today.
Members of the public are being asked not to gather in the immediate area, and walkers are being asked to avoid the Newcastle side of the mountain.
In a statement last night, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said, “Firefighters are currently dealing with a large gorse fire in the Slieve Donard area of the Northern Mournes.”
“We would request that the public avoid the Glen River and Bloody Bridge River access points this weekend due to the ongoing incident and potential for further fires in the extremely dry conditions.”
“NIFRS would like to highlight the unsuitability for wild camping in these areas this weekend due to current fire conditions.”
“We would ask the public to exercise due care and vigilance in relation to fire safety if out in the countryside during this current dry spell.''
In an update this morning police said, “ Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service continue to deal with a major fire in the Mourne Mountains. This is expected to be ongoing for the rest of Saturday.”
“Police would ask that all members of the public avoid the Newcastle area, in particular Trassey Road, Bloody Bridge, Tollymore Forest Park and Donard Carpark to ensure NIFRS have full accessibility to these areas. We understand many people will have made plans to walk the Mournes today but we would ask that you reschedule as you will be turned away upon arrival.”
In a statement last night South Down MP Chris Hazzard said,
“More than 60 firefighters have been fighting a large blaze which started earlier today close to Bloody Bridge but has spread ferociously towards Donard Forest and Newcastle tonight.”
“I commend the Herculean efforts and courage of all those currently engaged in tackling this blaze.
“I appeal to motorists and local people not involved in the efforts to put out this fire to avoid the Bloody Bridge/Donard Forest area at all costs tonight and allow fire and rescue services the space to extinguish this fire safely.
“Whether accidental or deliberate, wildfires are incredibly dangerous. Today’s fire will have caused widespread damage to an environmentally sensitive area, and will also unfortunately have proven deadly for local wildlife.”
“This is yet another stark reminder that everyone must behave responsibly while visiting the Mournes in order to protect the environment and the safety of our local community.”
In a string of tweets about the blaze last night, local MLA Colin McGrath said his thoughts were with “all those heroes involved in the efforts tonight”.
He also said the government needs to more help prevent and educate on wildfires.