Residents evacuated from their homes after wildfire believe to be deliberate

A large fire which resulted in families being evacuated from their homes in Co Down on Saturday night, is believed to have been started deliberately, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said.

The significant wildfire in Hilltown, near the Mourne Mountains, was declared a major incident.

At the height of operations, 15 fire appliances and over 100 firefighters worked in difficult conditions and high winds throughout the night to bring the large wildfire under control.

As a precaution a number of residents were evacuated from their homes on the Sandbank and Kilbroney roads, whilst the fire was brought under control.

Chief fire and rescue officer Aidan Jennings said: “At 5pm on Saturday 5th April 2025, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service mobilised to a significant wildfire on Sandbank Road, Hilltown.

“At 3am on Sunday, NIFRS began reducing resources at an on-going wildfire incident on the Sandbank Road, Hilltown.

“The cause of this fire is believed to have been deliberate.”

NIFRS said it has received a total of 741 calls to its control centre from midnight on Thursday until late Saturday night.

An Amber warning remains in place for wildfires across Northern Ireland.

NIFRS have asked the public to remain particularly vigilant to the risk of fire at this time.

“We can reassure members of the public that normal service delivery is being maintained,” Mr Jennings said.

“I would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our firefighters, control room operators and support staff who have worked tirelessly in recent days to ensure the safety of our community across Northern Ireland.”