Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir expresses concern at ‘wildfire tourism’
Members of the public have been urged to stay away from wildfires.
Stormont Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir expressed concern at "wildfire tourism" and the impact on agencies fighting the blazes.
The Mourne Mountains in Co Down are among the areas hit by wildfires this spring.
Mr Muir said he recently launched the Wildfires Action Plan 2030 to tackle the increasing threat of fires.
He said he wanted to put on record his thanks for the work of Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, in what he said have "been extremely challenging circumstances", as well as his officials, police and organisations in the Mournes.
"This is rural arson, and that's why I would encourage people to report to police or Crimestoppers if they're aware of anyone who is deliberating lighting these malicious fires because it's not only damaging our environment, but putting lives and livelihoods at risk, and it's important that we get people brought to justice in regards to this," he said.
"I would ask anyone that, as good weather comes along, and have any idea in terms of going down there to light fires, to wise up, not to do it.
"But also for those when there are fires, not to be engaging in wildfire tourism, because we're having a situation where there are a lot of people coming down, and that makes it very difficult for the agencies trying to fight these fires when there are people on the mountains."