Northern Ireland: fire ravages the Mourne Mountains

Firefighters in Northern Ireland have been battling a major blaze in the Slieve Donard area of the Mourne Mountains (Co. Down) for the past 3 days. The fire started last Friday and continued until today, mobilizing no fewer than 100 firefighters on site.

Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic mobilized

A magnificent place still engulfed in flames

Unfortunately, the show is dramatic. One of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful wildernesses is currently burning to the ground, despite the strenuous efforts of Northern Ireland’s firefighters.

Slieve Donard, renowned for its wild beauty and incomparable biodiversity, is at the heart of the concerns of the whole island of Ireland.

Although the flames are still present, firefighters seem to be making good progress, managing to bring certain areas under control… But the fight is likely to go on and on… People living nearby have been evacuated, and the public has been asked to avoid the Newcastle coast and the Slieve Donard area.

Since Friday, images of the fire have been exchanged en masse on social networks, causing a stir among nature lovers in Northern Ireland. The fire can be seen developing on the mountain at night, just a few kilometers above the village of Newcastle below.

Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis described the scenes as “deeply distressing” and paid tribute to the firefighters at the scene.

Deeply distressing to witness the scenes of the great fire at Slieve Donard,” he tweeted. The Mourne Mountains are among Northern Ireland’s most beautiful monuments and the impact on the local environment is tragic.”

Premier Arlene Foster also tweeted:

It’s devastating and tragic. The impact on flora and fauna is unimaginable. Full support for those fighting the flames.”

Northern Ireland’s Fire and Rescue Service, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Aidan Jennings, told the BBC that major arrangements were in place today to better contain the flames.