First Wildfire Warning of the Year Issued in Northern Ireland as Firefighters Battle Devastating Blazes in Mourne Mountains

Firefighters continue to battle multiple wildfires in the Mourne Mountains area of County Down, Northern Ireland, as emergency services urge the public to avoid the affected areas and take precautions against further ignitions.

More than 50 firefighters have been deployed to tackle blazes in the Mourne Mountains, with crews working over the weekend to contain fires that have been described as devastating. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service reported attending nearly 150 blazes in the area since Thursday night, with some incidents being treated as suspected arson.

A yellow wildfire warning remains in place across Northern Ireland until at least Sunday, with an amber warning having been active for some areas on Thursday and Friday due to dry weather and breezy conditions. Emergency services have advised the public to avoid open flames in rural areas, properly dispose of cigarettes and barbecues, and stay away from active fire zones to ensure safety and support firefighting efforts.

The current wildfire activity follows the issuance of the first wildfire warning of the year in Northern Ireland earlier in the week, marking the beginning of what officials describe as a growing threat. A new wildfire action plan, published by the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (Daera) in April, outlines coordinated measures to improve resilience and reduce the frequency and severity of fires across the region.

Last year, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended 95 wildfire incidents, with fire risk typically increasing between late winter and autumn during dry and breezy spells with rising temperatures. Authorities in the Republic of Ireland have also issued a ‘Condition Orange’ warning this week, indicating a high risk of fires in areas such as County Donegal, where a fire broke out in the Clonmany area on Thursday.

Firefighters previously tackled a blaze on Slieve Donard mountain in April 2021, highlighting the recurring nature of wildfire risks in the Mourne Mountains and surrounding upland habitats. Officials continue to emphasize the importance of public cooperation in preventing further ignitions during periods of elevated fire danger.