Man arrested in connection with 'deliberate ignition' of major fire in Mourne Mountains

LAST UPDATE | 20 hrs ago

A MAN HAS been arrested in connection with a gorse fire which raged across the Mourne Mountains last night, police in Northern Ireland have said.

He has since been released on bail to allow for further enquiries to be conducted.

The fire, which is being treated as “deliberate ignition” by police, was declared a “major incident” as it neared a number of residential properties in the Sandbank Road area of Hilltown, Co Down yesterday evening. 

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

The fire, which broke out in the Hilltown area in Co Down at 5pm yesterday, affected a large area of forestry.

Approximately 100 firefighters and 14 fire engines worked to control the fire, which at one point spanned a two-mile front.

Locals residents have been advised to avoid the area.

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“A number of roads have been closed, to help support firefighting operations,” an NIFRS spokesperson said in a statement.

“We ask that all members of the public 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.”

It is understood that the size of the fire has been reduced since last night.

In a statement this morning, police confirmed that a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson.

Emergency services in the area have been implementing additional preventative patrolling in the Mourne Mountains following recent wildfires.

NI Water has announced that the nearby Silent Valley Mountain Park will be temporarily closed due to the ongoing fires.

Northern Ireland is facing a heightened risk of wildfires as dry and sunny weather is expected to continue into next week.

Ground conditions are extremely dry, with most areas having received no rain so far in April.

This follows an unusually dry March, which recorded only 27mm of rainfall – just 31% of the typical monthly average.

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