Ongoing Wildfires and Ministerial Response
As extensive wildfires persist in the Mourne Mountains, the Environment Minister, Andrew Muir, has dismissed assertions that individuals who intentionally ignite fires in rural areas face no repercussions.
Muir stated that arsonists could be subject to imprisonment in certain instances, emphasizing the necessity of public cooperation to apprehend those responsible.
"There does seem to be maybe a veil of secrecy around this, no-one is giving up the culprits who are involved," the minister said.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has indicated that firefighting operations in the Mourne Mountains are anticipated to "continue across the week."
'This Happens Year After Year'
On Monday, Martin McMullan, a coordinator for the Mourne Mountain Rescue team, highlighted the recurring nature of these wildfires and the lack of consequences for those responsible.
McMullan observed that the fires over the weekend "definitely didn't look like they started from a recreational source."
He added, "The areas where they started were almost inaccessible to the general public."
"This happens year after year... and there's no consequences for those that are undertaking these actions," McMullan said.
Firefighters have been actively combating wildfires in the Ballagh Road, Newcastle, and Sandbank Road, Hilltown, sections of the mountains since the weekend.
Approximately 95 firefighters have been involved at both locations, with the NIFRS advising the public to avoid these areas while firefighting efforts continue.
Several local residents were prepared to evacuate their homes if necessary.
In addition to the Mourne Mountains incidents, firefighters responded to smaller wildfires in Belfast, Armagh, Lurgan, and Rathfriland.
Wildfire Action Plan and Police Statement
Earlier this month, the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (Daera) published a wildfire action plan outlining a coordinated strategy to address what officials describe as an escalating threat.
The plan comprises numerous measures aimed at enhancing resilience and decreasing both the frequency and severity of wildfires.
In a statement released on Monday, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Inspector Paddy Heatley emphasized that deliberately starting a wildfire constitutes a criminal offence.
He added that, when identified, those responsible "can expect to be arrested and brought before court."
Inspector Heatley further stated that police collect all available evidence "to enable us to identify any action which would constitute a crime, and hold those responsible legally to account."
