Man arrested on suspicion of arson after large 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 was arrested on suspicion of arson, being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, and non-related driving offences.

He was later released on police bail to allow for further inquires to be carried out, the PSNI said.

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.

“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.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt commended the fire service, saying hundreds of firefighters and support staff have been involved in the emergency response.

“The gorse fires are damaging our environment and putting significant pressure on our fire service which is maintaining normal service delivery while dedicating considerable resources to the wildfires,” Mr Nesbitt said.

“I am grateful to NIFRS for handling the response so effectively and for the tireless efforts of the fire crews who work in extreme circumstances, often in quite remote areas, to bring the fires under control and keep people safe.

“And I know that there are many others across NIFRS who work hard behind the scenes to support the operational response.

“I also want to thank the Police Service of Northern Ireland whose officers have worked closely with NIFRS to put traffic measures in place and have helped residents who had to leave their homes in the affected areas.

“Not only are these wildfires damaging the environment and wildlife, they’re also putting people’s homes, farms and lives at risk.

“I would appeal to people to be particularly careful when it comes to fire safety, especially in the countryside. Fires like this can be prevented but only if we all do our part.”

Meanwhile, the fire service are dealing with a separate large fire in Garry Wood, near Ballymoney.

In a statement, the PSNI said the Conogher Road between the Benvardin Road and Knock Road is not passable and urged the public to avoid the area.

Footage online showed a large fire next to fields, with smoke billowing from a forested area.

In a statement, the NIFRS said that 40 firefighters and six appliances from Ballymoney, Coleraine, Portrush, Carnlough, Castlederg and Ballycastle and a command support unit from Strabane were attending the scene.

Firefighters are utilising jets and specialist wildfire equipment to contain the fire and expect to remain in the area for a number of hours.