Stormont leaders urge those responsible for ‘devastating’ wildfires ‘to stop’

By Gráinne Ní Aodha (Press Association)

Ministers, firefighters and police have condemned a series of “devastating” wildfires across Northern Ireland, including in the Mourne Mountains.

Hundreds of firefighters have responded to six significant wildfires in less than a week, which have impacted an estimated 2,500 hectares of land, in what ministers said was an “unsustainable” amount of damage.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly urged those responsible for the wildfires “to stop” and reflect on their actions.

In the past week, firefighters have extinguished several major fires, one of which is believed to have been deliberately started.

On Thursday, around 85 firefighters responded to a large gorse fire in Brookeborough, Co Fermanagh, while around 30 firefighters tackled a 500m-wide wildfire on Polly’s Brae Road in Dungiven.

People were asked to avoid those areas before the fires in Brookeborough were extinguished on Thursday evening.

“The wildfires in the Mournes have left a trail of devastating damage and demanded a major emergency response, with hundreds of firefighters and partner agencies working around the clock to protect homes, land and lives,” Ms O’Neill said.

“Their courage, professionalism and commitment have been outstanding.

“I want to sincerely thank the Fire & Rescue Service, the PSNI, landowners and all those involved in the response for their tireless work in these very challenging conditions.

“I would appeal to those involved to reflect on the serious harm this is causing to our communities and environment and to stop.”

Ms Little-Pengelly said: “It is truly devastating to see the scenes emerging from the Mourne Mountains.

“These fires pose a real risk to life and have left communities living in fear and are destroying precious natural habitats and putting immense strain upon our emergency services.

“We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful countryside here in Northern Ireland, and I would urge those responsible for these wildfires to stop and consider the consequences of their actions.

“I also want to recognise and thank our firefighters who are working tirelessly under extremely dangerous conditions to bring these fires under control.”

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has extinguished wildfires in Sandbank Road in Hilltown; Chimney Rock Mountain in Newcastle; and Cranny Road in Crossmaglen this week.

The fire at Sandbank Road broke out on Sunday and was extinguished on Thursday; at the height of the incident, around 50 firefighters were involved in tackling the 1,500 hectares wildfire.

The fire at Chimney Rock Mountain began on Tuesday and was extinguished on Thursday, with around 45 firefighters responding to the 600m fire front at its peak.

The cause of both wildfires are under investigation.

The wildfire on Cranny Road broke out on Wednesday afternoon and is believed to have been “deliberate ignition”.

The eight acres of fire was extinguished on Wednesday evening after 30 firefighters responded.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said that from Saturday until Wednesday, firefighters have sent over 300 crew to fires and an estimated 2,500 hectares of land has been impacted.

“This level of impact is shocking and quite frankly unsustainable. As of today, that is six significant wildfires,” he said.

“These wildfires threaten public health, devastate important habitats, impact local livelihoods and place unacceptable pressure on emergency and health services.

“Where they are started deliberately, those responsible should face criminal penalties.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant, to report any fires immediately to NIFRS, to share any information about suspicious activity with the PSNI, and to follow the advice of emergency services at all times.”

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said they were “deeply concerned” about the wildfires and the effect they may have on landscapes and habitats and “putting lives, health and property at serious risk”.

“We stand together in condemning these deliberate acts and in expressing our full solidarity with local communities, landowners, environmental organisations, emergency responders and volunteers who are working tirelessly to protect this special and iconic landscape.”

NIFRS assistant chief fire & rescue officer Marcus Wright said hundreds of firefighters have been working in “challenging conditions” to tackle the wildfires, while also responding to other emergencies.

“I would like to thank Minister Nesbitt and Minister Muir for their support.

“I am appealing to the public to act responsibly when enjoying the countryside to help reduce the risk of wildfires.”

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said local police have been assisting firefighters.

“The unpredictability of fire is such that any outbreak represents a significant risk to the environment and wildlife, as well as threatening homes, farms and those local people who reside in the area,” she said.

“Whilst at this time it is not possible to ascribe a definitive cause to individual fires, more often than not they are caused by human activity – whether through carelessness and inattention, out-of-season agricultural practices, or malicious fire setting.

“Where it is found that a wildfire has been maliciously started, it will be fully investigated by police and when identified those responsible can expect to be arrested and prosecuted.

“Police will gather all available evidence to enable us to identify any action which would constitute a crime, and hold those responsible legally to account.”

In areas where wildfires have broken out, residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed, and the public are being asked to avoid the area to help with firefighting operations.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and DAERA Minister Andrew Muir pictured with Firefighter Ray Glynn, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Marcus Wright, Watch Commander Michaela Corr and Crew Commander Sheena McKieverigan from NIFRS. Ministers (Photo by DAERA/PA Wire)