Wildfire in Mourne Mountains
Firefighters are actively managing a wildfire in the Mourne Mountains located in County Down. The fire originated on the Slievenaman Road in Newcastle.
The incident coincides with a yellow wildfire warning currently in effect across Northern Ireland. Authorities have advised the public to avoid the area to ensure safety and facilitate firefighting efforts.
Firefighting Efforts and Impact
NIFRS Group Commander Peter Blaney reported that the fire is burning across approximately 10 hectares. He noted that a significant amount of vegetation has been affected by the blaze; however, fire crews have the situation under control.
"This is in the heart of the Mournes, so it has been affected by wildfires before,"
Resources from across Northern Ireland have been deployed to the scene, with a total of 52 firefighters involved in the operation. The equipment on site includes six pumping appliances, a water tanker, an off-road vehicle, and a command unit.
Traffic and Safety Measures
To manage the situation and ensure public safety, diversions have been implemented at the junction of Bryansford Road, Moyad Road, and Trassey Road.
