Northern Ireland’s mountains ‘like exploding volcanoes’ as crews fight devastating wildfires | UK News

A huge forest fire in the Morne Mountains in Northern Ireland, declared a major incident by the Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), is causing “incredible” damage to the environment.

Seventy firefighters and 10 fire engines, deployed from stations across North Ireland, continue to fight hell on the country’s highest peak, Slieve Donard.

Firefighters in the first line said the biggest challenges were accessing the land, heat exhaustion, working in PPE and carrying water.

The damage to what was the site of the fire takes your breath away – Sky News was transported there by NIFRS.

Mark Smith, wildlife manager for the service, said: “It’s amazing the damage that is being done here. Our wildlife has been seriously affected.

“It’s a very, very large area… we always measure the exact size… but right now there will be a big impact on the environment and ecosystems in this area.”

Dramatic footage of the blaze captured overnight showed rings of fire on the mountain, illustrating why firefighting resources were subsequently increased at the tourist site.

With an Irish Coast Guard helicopter providing support to NIFRS, it has become a multi-agency cross-border operation in County Down.

Chris Hazzard from Sinn Fein, the local MP, said Slieve Donard and the Mournes looked like “exploding volcanoes” and that had really alarmed the locals.

It was one of the driest April on record, raising the risk of wildfires, and experts suspect they know what caused the blaze.

Deputy Fire Chief …