Man arrested on suspicion of arson after major gorse fire near Mourne Mountains

A 25-year-old man has been arrested by police investigating a large gorse fire in Co Down, which led to homes being evacuated over the weekend.

The man has been arrested on suspicion of arson, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, and non-related driving offences.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it believes the large fire near the Mourne Mountains had been started deliberately.

The significant wildfire in Hilltown was declared a major incident early Sunday morning.

At the height of operations, 15 fire appliances and more than 100 firefighters worked in difficult conditions and high winds throughout the night to tackle the large wildfire.

As a precaution a number of residents were evacuated from their homes on the Sandbank and Kilbroney roads whilst the fire was brought under control.

District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down Superintendent Norman Haslett said that officers received a request for traffic and travel assistance from colleagues in the NIFRS on Saturday evening.

"The gorse fire, which is being treated as deliberate ignition, was ablaze in the Sandbank Road area of Hilltown," Superintendent Haslett said.

"Road closures were in place overnight, with local diversions in place. These closures have now been lifted. Police also assisted with the evacuation of nearby residents.

"Officers conducting follow-up inquiries have since arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, and non-related driving offences.

"He remains in custody at this time as inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the fire.

"Gorse fires have the potential to cause widespread damage to the environment and harm to wildlife as well as threatening homes, farms and the people living in those areas.

"We're asking anyone who was in the Sandbank Road area of Hilltown yesterday and noticed anything out of the ordinary to make contact with us.

"Anyone who engages in this reckless behaviour should carefully consider the consequences of their actions, and will be subject to the full rigour of the law.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who may have any relevant dashcam, CCTV or other video footage of the area that could help our investigation. Please call us on our non-emergency 101 number."

Chief fire and rescue officer Aidan Jennings said: "At 5pm on Saturday April 5 2025, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service mobilised to a significant wildfire on Sandbank Road, Hilltown.

"At 3am on Sunday, NIFRS began reducing resources at an on-going wildfire incident on the Sandbank Road, Hilltown.

"The cause of this fire is believed to have been deliberate."

The NIFRS said it has received a total of 741 calls to its control centre from midnight on Thursday until late Saturday night.

An amber warning remains in place for wildfires across Northern Ireland.

The NIFRS has asked the public to remain particularly vigilant to the risk of fire at this time.

"We can reassure members of the public that normal service delivery is being maintained," Mr Jennings said.

"I would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our firefighters, control room operators and support staff who have worked tirelessly in recent days to ensure the safety of our community across Northern Ireland."

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