Firefighters across Northern Ireland have confirmed that the majority of the 214 wildfires recorded in recent days were intentionally set, sparking outrage and renewed calls for tougher enforcement and public vigilance.
From Belfast to Ballygawley, crews have battled rapidly spreading flames fueled by dry weather and strong winds. A major ongoing blaze near Millix Road, north of Ballygawley in County Tyrone, is being tackled by around 40 personnel, and officials have confirmed it was started on purpose.
“We have established that this fire was started deliberately,” said David Doherty of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).
Fire Zones Stretch Across Counties
Wildfires have scorched areas in:
- The Mourne Mountains (147 fire incidents)
- Divis and Black Mountain near Belfast
- Slieve Bearnagh, Slieve Binnian, and Bloody Bridge
- Ballygawley and other rural areas
In several locations, residents were evacuated as flames threatened homes. At one point, the fire front in Ballygawley stretched 1.5 miles, damaging wind farms and threatening nesting birds and local wildlife.
Fire crews faced additional challenges from peat bogs, which trap heat and make extinguishing fires more difficult.
Legal Loopholes and Calls for Reform
Under current Northern Ireland law, controlled burning is only allowed from 1 September to 14 April. However, no prosecutions have occurred from 2020–2024 under the offence “burning whins in closed season.”
Some fires may be legally lit under controlled land management rules, but many of the current blazes clearly fall into the category of arson, which is punishable under law. In contrast, Ireland prohibits burning from 1 March to 31 August, showing stricter enforcement south of the border.
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard is among those demanding a review of fire laws and enforcement mechanisms.
Firefighters Appeal for Public Support
As of Wednesday, fires on Divis and Black Mountain have been extinguished, but smoke still lingers across scorched hillsides. Walkers are being urged to stay away from affected areas, especially the Mourne Mountains, until the all-clear is given.
“People need to understand the gravity of this,” said NIFRS commander David Harbinson.
“Conditions are perfect for wildfires to spread, and many of these fires were no accident.”
Despite heroic efforts from fire crews — some traveling from as far as North Antrim — officials warn that continued arson will not only endanger wildlife and homes but put lives at risk.
