Mountain fire 'was started deliberately'

A mountain fire that ran for several miles is believed to have been started deliberately, it was revealed today.

The blaze took hold on top of Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in the North, near Newcastle in Co Down.

Firefighters were called to the Mourne Mountains during the night and at one stage RAF and Irish Coastguard helicopters were deployed to help combat the fire.

The crews eventually contained the flames, helped by rain and changing wind conditions.

Station commander Andy Black said the response to the fire had been a huge drain on resources and was fraught with difficulties.

“Especially at night-time, it puts the firefighters at considerable risk,” he said.

“They have to work in the dark and there is a danger of them falling down gullies and getting trapped.”