VIDEO: "Wildfire is causing horrifying damage to Mourne Mountains", says minister

Q Radio News/PA

Stormont's Environment Minister Edwin Poots says horrifying damage is being done to wildlife and biodiversity as fires rage through the Mourne mountains.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has declared the fires a major incident.

The public are being urged to stay away from the Bloody Bridge area as the emergency services try to deal with the outbreak.

An HM Coastguard helicopter has been ferrying firefighters up to the most inaccessible fire locations in the Donard area of the Mournes today. pic.twitter.com/bTaDNpgEZt

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 24, 2021

Update: @NIFRSJennings from scene of the major incident in the Mourne Mountains. “Firefighters are working hard with our partners and we are grateful for all the support we've received so far. Please continue to stay away from the area” pic.twitter.com/idaBZeOIFq

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 24, 2021

Mr. Poots met emergency responders at the major incident command centre in Newcastle earlier today...

(Stormont Environment minister Edwin Poots at the N5FRS command centre in Newcastle)

(Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots meeting with firefighters in the operation against a huge gorse fire spreading across the Mourne Mountains in Co Down)

Dramatic images of the Co Down peak ablaze have sparked concern, with First Minister Arlene Foster tweeting: “This is devastating and tragic.

The impact on wildlife and flora is unimaginable. Full support to those battling the flames.”

Campsites were evacuated and one person was led to safety as fires continue to rage across the Mourne mountains in county Down. The local mountain rescue team was able to locate one person who was lost in Donard forest by using phone technology. pic.twitter.com/ujEPlB8YjD

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 24, 2021

Flames raged overnight across the Mourne mountains above Newcastle in Co. Down. @PhotopressNI pic.twitter.com/TEu3TWTnck

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 24, 2021

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis described the scenes as “deeply distressing” at one of the region’s most beautiful landmarks. He paid tribute to the fire fighters at the scene.

On Saturday morning the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said the are escalating their operations in the Mournes, and described a “large number of resources” in attendance.

The NIFRS has urged the public not to gather in the area, and told walkers to avoid the Newcastle side of Slieve Donard.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesperson said the operation to tackle the fire is expected to be ongoing across 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,” they said.

“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.”

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said there had been hope the blaze could be contained on Friday, however light winds had spread the flames.

“By the afternoon of Friday there were some 60 brave firefighters doing their best to maintain the blaze, with the smoke visible from as far away as Downpatrick,” he said.

“I pay tribute to their bravery and determination. Sadly, this will not only have a devastating impact on the natural landscape but the local economy of Newcastle that relies so heavily on the tourist product we associate with the Mournes.”

(Pics by Photopress NI)

(Pic by Photopress NI)

(The scene at daylight on the Mourne mountains - pic by Patrick Corrigan)

Mourne Mountains at Newcastle. Picture Patrick Corrigan.

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said Friday’s wildfire in the Mournes highlighted the need to develop an all-island strategy to address the matter.

“With courageous fire crews tackling the blaze from early Friday morning there was a hope that the fire could be contained,” he added.

“However, with some light winds it unfortunately managed to spread down the eastern slope of Leganabruchan and eventually into Donard Forest in Newcastle.

“By the afternoon of Friday there were some 60 brave firefighters doing their best to maintain the blaze, with the smoke visible from as far away as Downpatrick.

“I pay tribute to their bravery and determination. Sadly, this will not only have a devastating impact on the natural landscape but the local economy of Newcastle that relies so heavily on the tourist product we associate with the Mournes.

“Having met with the NIFRS it is clear that they are doing everything they can to combat these blazes.

“However, the issue of gorse and wildfires is something that affects our entire island and our response to it cannot just be a reaction to every outbreak of fire but a measured response that attempts to understand why these fires are happening so often and ultimately to prevent them.

“That over the last four years we have had three years with continuous fires tells me we need to act now for the health and wellbeing of all our people.”