Wildfires break out across Mourne Mountains as firefighters battle multiple blazes and public urged to stay away

The scene on Saturday evening as firefighters battled multiple blazes across the Mourne Mountains in Co Down.

(Photos: Patricia Williams, MeAndering Images)

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) crews are tackling multiple wildfire incidents across the Mourne Mountains, with operations continuing into Sunday as authorities warn of ongoing risk to life and property and urge the public to avoid affected areas.

Firefighters remain on the ground at two key locations — Ballagh Road in Newcastle and Sandbank Road in Hilltown — where blazes broke out on Saturday evening and continued to demand resources into Sunday afternoon.

Firefighting operations continue as one blaze scaled back

By 4:48pm on Sunday 26 April, NIFRS confirmed that the wildfire at Ballagh Road had been scaled back, though crews will remain at the scene to monitor conditions and prevent reignition.

However, firefighting operations are still actively ongoing at the Sandbank Road incident in Hilltown, indicating the scale and persistence of the fires burning across the Mournes.

The incidents form part of a wider spate of wildland fires reported across the region over the weekend, placing sustained pressure on emergency services.

Timeline of escalating incidents across Saturday evening

The first confirmed reports emerged late on Saturday evening.

At 9:57pm on Saturday 25 April, NIFRS stated they were in attendance at a wildfire on Ballagh Road in the Bloody Bridge area of Newcastle.

At that stage, locals were urged to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to operate safely.

Just over 20 minutes later, at 10:19pm, NIFRS confirmed the situation had escalated, with “a number of wildland fires” reported across both Ballagh Road, Newcastle and Sandbank Road, Hilltown.

This marked a significant expansion of the incidents, indicating multiple ignition points across the Mourne landscape.

Public safety warning as smoke and fire risk intensify

As firefighting efforts continue, NIFRS has issued a clear and repeated warning to hill walkers, residents, and visitors to stay away from affected areas.

The presence of heavy smoke, unpredictable fire behaviour, and the need for unobstructed emergency access have all been cited as reasons for the exclusion.

In their latest update, NIFRS said:

“Hill walkers and locals are requested to avoid the area due to fire risk, heavy smoke and to help support firefighting operations.”

This warning applies to both the Newcastle and Hilltown areas, where conditions remain hazardous.

Weekend conditions raise concern over wildfire risk

The outbreak of multiple fires over a short period has heightened concerns about wildfire risk in Northern Ireland’s upland areas, particularly during dry or warm weather spells.

The Mourne Mountains, a popular destination for walkers and tourists, are especially vulnerable due to their terrain and vegetation, which can allow fires to spread quickly once ignited.

While the cause of the fires has not been detailed in the statements, NIFRS has issued a strong appeal for responsible behaviour in the countryside.

Emergency call reminder issued to public

NIFRS has reinforced the importance of immediate reporting of any fires.

The service stated:

“NIFRS request the public act responsibly if you are in the countryside this weekend. If you see a fire, call 999 immediately.”

This instruction remains in place as crews continue to deal with the current incidents and monitor conditions across the wider area.

Ongoing operations and vigilance required

With one incident still active and another under close observation, firefighting efforts are expected to continue as crews work to fully contain and extinguish the blazes.

The situation remains dynamic, with public cooperation seen as critical to ensuring both safety and the effectiveness of the emergency response.

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At a glance

• Multiple wildfires broke out across the Mourne Mountains on Saturday evening

• Incidents reported at Ballagh Road, Newcastle and Sandbank Road, Hilltown

• Ballagh Road fire scaled back but crews remain monitoring the scene

• Firefighting operations ongoing at Sandbank Road

• Fires first reported around 9:57pm on Saturday 25 April

• Situation escalated to multiple fires by 10:19pm

• Public urged to avoid affected areas due to fire risk and heavy smoke

• NIFRS warning for hill walkers and locals to stay clear

• Emergency services remain under pressure responding to incidents

• Public advised to call 999 immediately if any fire is spotted