Police ramp up efforts in bid to tackle arsonists as gorse fires ravage Mournes

Authorities in Northern Ireland have issued a stern warning following a series of destructive gorse fires that have swept across the Mourne Mountains in recent days, with evidence suggesting that some were deliberately set.

District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, Superintendent Norman Haslett, described the blazes as a “real and present threat” to local communities, wildlife, and the environment, urging those responsible to face the full weight of the law.

The wildfires, which have flared up across the rugged terrain of the Mournes, have caused widespread concern. Superintendent Haslett highlighted the severe risks posed not only to homes, farms, and livelihoods but also to the region’s delicate ecosystems.

“These fires are causing widespread devastation to our environment, with untold harm being done to native wildlife and habitats,” he said. The Mournes, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are home to a rich array of flora and fauna, much of which is now under threat.

The unpredictable nature of the fires has compounded the danger, putting the lives of Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service personnel, as well as other emergency responders, at risk.

“Those setting these wildfires are not only endangering themselves but also the brave men and women tasked with tackling them,” Haslett warned. He added that the reckless actions of arsonists could have fatal consequences, both for the perpetrators and the wider public.

In response, police have ramped up efforts to curb the crisis.

Dedicated patrols are now in place across the Mournes, supported by the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Air Support Unit and other specialist teams. These resources are being deployed to survey the sprawling landscape, identify potential suspects, detect fires in their early stages, and warn residents of imminent danger.

“We are utilising all the capabilities at our disposal to bring this situation under control,” the superintendent confirmed.

The PSNI is working closely with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service to investigate the origins of the fires, with a particular focus on distinguishing between accidental blazes and those started maliciously.

“People who are found to have deliberately set any of these fires should be under no illusion that they will face legal consequences for their reckless actions,” Haslett stated, sending a clear message to would-be arsonists.

Amid the ongoing efforts, Superintendent Haslett took a moment to praise the dedication of those on the frontline. “My admiration, respect, and heartfelt thanks go to the fire crews, search and rescue personnel, and local police officers who have been working tirelessly for many days,” he said. “Their efforts to contain the fires and ensure the safety of our whole community have been nothing short of heroic.”

The fires come at a time when dry conditions and strong winds have heightened the risk of wildfires across Northern Ireland, amplifying the challenges faced by emergency services. Local residents have been urged to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity to the police, and avoid actions that could inadvertently spark further blazes.

As investigations continue, authorities are appealing for anyone with information about the fires to come forward. The PSNI has reiterated its commitment to protecting the Mournes and its inhabitants, vowing to hold those responsible accountable for the havoc they have wrought on this cherished landscape.