Northern Ireland Ministers issue urgent joint appeal as Mourne wildfires devastate land and stretch emergency services

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and DAERA Minister Andrew Muir pictured with Firefighter Ray Glynn, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Marcus Wright, Watch Commander Michaela Corr and Crew Commander Sheena McKieverigan from NIFRS.

A major emergency response has been triggered across Northern Ireland after a series of wildfires tore through the Mourne Mountains and other areas, destroying vast stretches of land, threatening homes and placing intense pressure on frontline services.

Executive Ministers, alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), have issued a rare joint statement urging the public to act responsibly and warning that those responsible for deliberately starting fires could face criminal prosecution.

Scale of destruction and emergency response

First Minister Michelle O’Neill described the unfolding situation as devastating, revealing the sheer scale of the operation required to bring the fires under control.

“The wildfires in the Mournes have left a trail of devastating damage and demanded a major emergency response, with hundreds of firefighters and partner agencies working around the clock to protect homes, land and lives. Their courage, professionalism and commitment have been outstanding,” she said.

“I want to sincerely thank the Fire & Rescue Service, the PSNI, landowners and all those involved in the response for their tireless work in these very challenging conditions. I would appeal to those involved to reflect on the serious harm this is causing to our communities and environment and to stop.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt provided stark figures illustrating the impact, confirming that between 25 and 29 April 2026, NIFRS dealt with three significant wildfire incidents involving 65 fire service vehicles and more than 300 personnel.

He said it is estimated that around 2,500 hectares of land have been affected, describing the situation as “shocking and quite frankly unsustainable,” adding that six significant wildfires have now been recorded.

Communities at risk and environmental damage

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said the fires have left communities living in fear while destroying valuable natural habitats.

“It is truly devastating to see the scenes emerging from the Mourne Mountains. These fires pose a real risk to life and have left communities living in fear and are destroying precious natural habitats and putting immense strain upon our emergency services,” she said.

“We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful countryside here in Northern Ireland, and I would urge those responsible for these wildfires to stop and consider the consequences of their actions. I also want to recognise and thank our firefighters who are working tirelessly under extremely dangerous conditions to bring these fires under control.”

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said the full scale of environmental damage is still being assessed but warned it is likely to be significant.

“We are deeply concerned by the latest wildfires affecting the Mourne and other areas, which are damaging our landscapes and precious habitats and putting lives, health and property at serious risk,” he said.

“While it is too early to fully assess the extent of the damage, it is likely to be significant.”

Public health concerns and new action plan

Minister Nesbitt warned that the consequences extend beyond environmental damage, highlighting the wider risks to public health, livelihoods and emergency response capacity.

“These wildfires threaten public health, devastate important habitats, impact local livelihoods and place unacceptable pressure on emergency and health services. Where they are started deliberately, those responsible should face criminal penalties,” he said.

He confirmed that a new Wildfire Action Plan has now been launched, focusing on prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and enforcement.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant, to report any fires immediately to NIFRS, to share any information about suspicious activity with the PSNI, and to follow the advice of emergency services at all times,” he added.

“These destructive attacks must stop, and by working together we can protect our communities, and safeguard precious habitats such as the Mournes for future generations.”

Emergency services under sustained pressure

NIFRS Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Marcus Wright said firefighters have been working under extreme conditions in recent days while continuing to respond to other emergencies across Northern Ireland.

“In recent days, hundreds of Firefighters have been working in challenging conditions to bring these wildfires under control, whilst responding to other emergencies across Northern Ireland,” he said.

“I am appealing to the public to act responsibly when enjoying the countryside to help reduce the risk of wildfires.”

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said police have been working closely with fire crews, holding multiple daily coordination meetings as the situation evolves.

“The unpredictability of fire is such that any outbreak represents a significant risk to the environment and wildlife, as well as threatening homes, farms and those local people who reside in the area,” she said.

“Whilst at this time it is not possible to ascribe a definitive cause to individual fires, more often than not they are caused by human activity - whether through carelessness and inattention, out-of-season agricultural practices, or malicious fire setting.”

She warned that any deliberate fire-setting will be treated as a criminal matter.

“Where it is found that a wildfire has been maliciously started, it will be fully investigated by police and when identified those responsible can expect to be arrested and prosecuted.

“Police will gather all available evidence to enable us to identify any action which would constitute a crime, and hold those responsible legally to account.”

As emergency crews continue efforts to contain the fires and assess the full extent of the damage, Ministers have made clear that preventing further outbreaks now depends heavily on public behaviour, with a direct appeal for vigilance and responsibility to protect communities, livelihoods and Northern Ireland’s most valued natural landscapes.

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At a glance

• Major wildfires in the Mourne Mountains and beyond have triggered a large-scale emergency response

• Around 2,500 hectares of land estimated to have been impacted

• 65 fire service vehicles and over 300 firefighters deployed between 25–29 April

• Six significant wildfires recorded in total

• Ministers warn fires are “shocking and unsustainable”

• New Wildfire Action Plan launched covering prevention and enforcement

• Public urged to report fires immediately and share information with PSNI

• Police warn deliberate fire-setting could lead to arrest and prosecution