A 25-year-old man has been charged in connection with starting a blaze that turned into a massive wildfire in the Mourne Mountains last night.
Police say that the fire was started deliberately, in the Sandbank Road area of Hilltown, County Down yesterday evening.
Fire crews battled the blaze for several hours, which at one point stretched across 3 kilometers of land and came dangerously close to homes in the area – forcing evacuations.
The blaze has now been extinguished, with Police arresting a 25-year-old on suspicion of arson.
“Officers conducting follow up enquiries 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,” Police said in a statement.
“He remains in custody at this time as enquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the fire.”
“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 dash-cam, CCTV or other video footage of the area that could help our investigation. Please call us on our non-emergency 101 number quoting reference number 1265 05/04/25.”
