Member's statement: Mourne Mountains: Fires

Member's statement by Ms Diane Forsythe on 27 April 2026.

MLA

Ms Diane Forsythe

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

27 April 2026

Type

Member's statement

Business

Members' Statements

Heading

Mourne Mountains: Fires

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5508119

Read the official Assembly record

Text

On Saturday evening, it was devastating to see the scenes of widespread fires emerging from the Mourne Mountains once again. It really was soul-destroying to sit there in the heart of our local community with our children looking up at the mountains as the huge flames got closer to our homes. It is terrifying and reckless, and it endangers lives and destroys our nature and habitats. When we see the glorious weather coming along, it is great to get out and enjoy the countryside and welcome visitors to the Mourne area, which boosts tourism. Saturday was a beautiful and very busy day, but then the fires started across three sites in a very confined area from Slievenaman Road to Bloody Bridge. The fires were huge, fast-moving and came right down — I am sure that everyone saw the images — to the back of people's homes on the coast road from Kilkeel to Newcastle, with many people evacuated. Panic spread as everyone hurried to locate their loved ones, who may have been out camping or walking, as is normal on pleasant evenings. That should not be what local people in the Mourne area are subjected to every time there is good weather. Those who are starting the fires maliciously need to feel the full force of the law. Too often, we see these fires and the reports of intentional crimes but with no consequences. Last year, there was an arrest at the fires towards the Hilltown area, and I believe that the case will be heard in the weeks ahead. We need to see justice served, and we need to set an example for people to see. Over the weekend past, our Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team and the local PSNI have been excellent, supported by Sky Watch NI. Their outstanding coordination and bravery in face of the most treacherous conditions kept us all safe. I think of their families, who will have been so concerned when looking up at the giant flames engulfing the mountainside and thinking of their loved ones up there facing off those fires. I sincerely thank everyone who attended, many of whom are still working to contain those fires, which are still burning. Huge amounts of smoke were still coming out of the mountains as I drove here today. The local community has also been incredible and has rallied to support, with many local businesses providing food and water to those working in the mountains. People have been asked to avoid the area, and I ask that that request continue to be respected whilst the firefighting continues. It has been reported that this incident was not a result of recreational activity and that the fires were started in areas that are hard for the public to access. Rural arson is a crime, and, if anyone has any information on these deliberately lit fires, which are malicious attacks on our countryside, they should come forward and contact the police. I urge them to call 999 immediately at the sign of any fire and, if they have any information, to please come forward.

522 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:27 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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