Firefighters working 'tirelessly' to tackle fresh Mourne Mountain wildfire

People are being asked to avoid areas of the Mourne Mountains as firefighters work "tirelessly" to tackle a blaze near Slieve Donard.

Firefighters are currently dealing with a wildfire at Sandbank Road, Hilltown and at Chimney Rock Mountain, Newcastle.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) is asking people to avoid the areas.

Wildfires have been raging in the Mourne Mountains for a number of days.

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme, NIFRS area commander Ryan Thompson said the fire at Chimney Rock is spreading towards Slieve Donard.

"Our crews are working tirelessly there at the moment to stop it spreading onto Donard and to stop it spreading into the wider Mournes area," Thompson said.

"This blaze has been one we've been monitoring because of the difficult access areas around Chimney Rock Mountain and it's one that has spread rapidly because of conditions today - weather conditions have improved, wind directions have changed and we are in prime fire conditions," he said.

At the height of the incident, about 45 firefighters were battling a fire front of 600 metres at Chimney Rock.

"We're just asking for the public to once again bear with us and support us as we work to bring this to a safe conclusion," Thompson said.

The fire at Sandbank Road has been ongoing for a number of days, while the blaze at Chimney Rock Mountain broke out on Tuesday.

Thompson added there are "numerous smaller gorse fires going on" across Northern Ireland.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are appealing for the public to stay away from the areas of Bloody Bridge and Head Road, and the Mournes in general, where firefighters are tackling fires.

Sgt Kenny Gracey said: "I can't stress highly enough how important it is for visitors to stay clear of the Mournes area until these fires are dealt with.

"Just being in the area can put individuals at risk, impede emergency services in their work and can also tie up crucial resources that may be needed elsewhere. We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time."

People who are visiting the countryside on Wednesday are asked to remember to extinguish cigarettes and BBQs properly, avoid lighting open fires and not to leave litter behind, especially glass bottles.

The NIFRS is asking anyone who witnesses a fire to call 999 immediately.

The Mournes wildfires took hold on the same weekend that the first wildfire warning of the year was issued following a prolonged spell of dry weather.

On Monday, a Mourne Mountain Rescue team co-ordinator said the challenge with recurring wildfires is that "there are no consequences" for those responsible.

Martin McMullan said the fires in the mountains at the weekend "definitely didn't look like they started from a recreational source".

Andrew Muir, the environment minister, rejected claims of no consequences and said arsonists could face prison in some cases, but he added that the authorities need the public's help to bring them to justice.

Muir was asked if areas vulnerable to wildfires should be patrolled at this time of year to prevent future arson attacks.

"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," Muir replied.

The minister said he had spoken to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and they had "issued a statement making it very clear that they will carry out investigations around this".

Last week, the Mourne Heritage Trust charity expressed concern about the loss of "engagement rangers" in the Mourne Mountains.

The roles were introduced in response to record visitor numbers in the Mournes during the Covid pandemic.

However, a lack of funding saw the number of those roles reduced, with the last engagement ranger leaving his post in December.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs published its wildfire action earlier this month.

It set out a coordinated response to what officials described as a growing threat.

It includes dozens of measures aimed at improving resilience and reducing the frequency and severity of fires.