Northern Ireland Executive Ministers and emergency response agencies statement on wildfires

Northern Ireland Executive Ministers and emergency response agencies statement on wildfires

Date published: 30 April 2026

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "The wildfires in the Mournes have left a trail of devastating damage and demanded a major emergency response, with hundreds of firefighters and partner agencies working around the clock to protect homes, land and lives. Their courage, professionalism and commitment have been outstanding.

"I want to sincerely thank the Fire & Rescue Service, the PSNI, landowners and all those involved in the response for their tireless work in these very challenging conditions. I would appeal to those involved to reflect on the serious harm this is causing to our communities and environment and to stop."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: "It is truly devastating to see the scenes emerging from the Mourne Mountains. These fires pose a real risk to life and have left communities living in fear and are destroying precious natural habitats and putting immense strain upon our emergency services.

"We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful countryside here in Northern Ireland, and I would urge those responsible for these wildfires to stop and consider the consequences of their actions. I also want to recognise and thank our firefighters who are working tirelessly under extremely dangerous conditions to bring these fires under control."

Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said: "We are deeply concerned by the latest wildfires affecting the Mourne and other areas, which are damaging our landscapes and precious habitats and putting lives, health and property at serious risk. We stand together in condemning these deliberate acts and in expressing our full solidarity with local communities, landowners, environmental organisations, emergency responders and volunteers who are working tirelessly to protect this special and iconic landscape.

"We are grateful to the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and to all those on the ground responding to these incidents. While it is too early to fully assess the extent of the damage, it is likely to be significant."

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt added: "From the 25 to 29 April 2026, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service was involved in resolving three significant wildfire incidents, with 65 Fire Service Vehicles deployed and over 300 crew attending the incidents. It has been estimated that approximately 2500 hectares of land has been impacted. This level of impact is shocking and quite frankly unsustainable. As of today, that is six significant wildfires.

"These wildfires threaten public health, devastate important habitats, impact local livelihoods and place unacceptable pressure on emergency and health services. Where they are started deliberately, those responsible should face criminal penalties.

"We urge the public to remain vigilant, to report any fires immediately to NIFRS, to share any information about suspicious activity with the PSNI, and to follow the advice of emergency services at all times.

"To address this ongoing risk, a Wildfire Action Plan has been launched, focused on prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and enforcement. These destructive attacks must stop, and by working together we can protect our communities, and safeguard precious habitats such as the Mournes for future generations."

NIFRS Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Marcus Wright said: "In recent days, hundreds of Firefighters have been working in challenging conditions to bring these wildfires under control, whilst responding to other emergencies across Northern Ireland. I would like to thank Minister Nesbitt and Minister Muir for their support. I am appealing to the public to act responsibly when enjoying the countryside to help reduce the risk of wildfires."

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: "Local police have been working closely with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service over recent days as they work to bring fires in the Mournes under control, meeting several times daily to lend any support we can to their efforts.
"The unpredictability of fire is such that any outbreak represents a significant risk to the environment and wildlife, as well as threatening homes, farms and those local people who reside in the area.
"Whilst at this time it is not possible to ascribe a definitive cause to individual fires, more often than not they are caused by human activity - whether through carelessness and inattention, out-of-season agricultural practices, or malicious fire setting.
"Where it is found that a wildfire has been maliciously started, it will be fully investigated by police and when identified those responsible can expect to be arrested and prosecuted.
"Police will gather all available evidence to enable us to identify any action which would constitute a crime, and hold those responsible legally to account."