Firefighters Combat Wildfires in Mourne Mountains
Authorities are urging the public to avoid areas within the Mourne Mountains as firefighters work to contain multiple wildfires.
Currently, firefighting teams are addressing wildfires at Sandbank Road, Hilltown, and Chimney Rock Mountain, Newcastle. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has requested that people stay clear of these locations.
These wildfires have persisted in the Mourne Mountains for several days. Visitors to the countryside on Wednesday are reminded to properly extinguish cigarettes and barbecues, refrain from lighting open fires, and avoid leaving litter, particularly glass bottles, which can contribute to fire risks.
The NIFRS has emphasized the importance of reporting any fire sightings promptly by calling 999.
Discussion on Wildfire Prevention and Patrols
The outbreak of wildfires in the Mournes coincided with the issuance of the first wildfire warning of the year, following an extended period of dry weather.
On Monday, Martin McMullan, a coordinator for the Mourne Mountain Rescue team, commented on the recurring nature of these wildfires, highlighting the issue of accountability.
"There are no consequences" for those responsible, he said.
McMullan also noted that the fires observed over the weekend in the mountains appeared unlikely to have originated from recreational activities.
"The fires in the mountains at the weekend definitely didn't look like they started from a recreational source."
Environment Minister Andrew Muir responded to the suggestion that there are no consequences for arsonists, stating that offenders could face imprisonment in some cases. However, he stressed the necessity of public cooperation to assist authorities in prosecuting those responsible.
When asked about the possibility of patrolling vulnerable areas during this season to prevent arson attacks, Muir explained the challenges involved.
"The Mournes and many other areas across Northern Ireland, including, for example the Sperrins, are very large geographic areas and we can't have individuals everywhere,"he said.
The minister also mentioned his communication with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), who have issued a statement affirming their commitment to investigating these incidents.
"They will carry out investigations around this,"Muir added.
Concerns Over Reduction of Engagement Rangers
Last week, the Mourne Heritage Trust charity expressed worries regarding the discontinuation of "engagement rangers" in the Mourne Mountains. These roles were initially introduced in response to record visitor numbers during the Covid pandemic.
Due to funding constraints, the number of engagement ranger positions has been reduced, with the last ranger leaving in December.
Government Response to Wildfire Threats
Earlier this month, the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs released its wildfire action plan. This plan outlines a coordinated approach to address what officials have described as an increasing threat.
The strategy includes numerous measures designed to enhance resilience and decrease both the frequency and severity of wildfires.
