Fires break out around Camlough Mountain

This image was sent by a Newry Times reader

Newry Times can confirm tonight that fires have broken out around the Camlough Mountain area. With locals remembering last year’s incidents, a local councillor has decided to voice his concerns.

Newry and Mourne Fews area Sinn Fein Councillor Pat Mc Ginn has said gorse fires in the locality are diverting the vital resources of the emergency services and he also warned “fires being lit on our local mountains present a real danger to hill walkers, animals, local wildlife and the natural fauna of the hills.” He has also appealed to anyone involved in deliberately lighting fires on the mountains “to stop putting peoples lives at risk and destroying a valuable local amenity”.

The Sinn Fein elected representative who regularly climbs both Camloch and Slieve Gullion Mountains was commenting after news of a fire on the mountain at Tamnaghbane Road, near Cloghogue. “If it is proved to be the case that this mountain fire has been started deliberately, those behind them must stop and do so immediately. These reckless actions are putting lives at risk.”

He continued, “Many homes are at risk of these fires and as emergency services are already at breaking point these many be left vulnerable. Property tourism and wildlife will all suffer as a result of these mindless actions”.He concluded by saying “These fires endanger staff and divert vital resources that may be needed in serious accident and emergency incidents”.

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=9716

Posted by Declan McAteer on Mar 28 2012. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry