Concern over spate of fires at hill area in Downpatrick

Concern over spate of fires at hill area in Downpatrick

28 May 2025

A SPATE of recent fires at the Samson’s Hill area in Downpatrick has sparked calls for a meeting with a number of agencies including the Fire and Rescue Service.

Local councillor, Cadogan Enright, is keen to see the Housing Executive and representatives from Dunleath Estates — which owns land at this part of the town — also involved in the meeting.

There have been a number of wildfires at this part of the town over recent years but residents who live close by fear fire could potentially spread to their homes.

Cllr Enright said scenic walks in the Samson’s Hill area can be accessed from the Ardglass, Killough and Flying Horse roads where vehicle access is also available for emergency services access.

He also revealed it’s believed locally that an access point to the hill near the Ballymote Centre is being used by a small group of fire-setters to escape the authorities.

Cllr Enright said that two and a half years ago, he succeeded in getting this access point to the hill at gated to ensure those responsible for starting the fires would be “easier to catch”.

But, he explained, the gate caused issues for some residents who found the other two access points inconvenient. 

“This is a difficult conundrum, as fire-setting causes problems for residents across the whole town, whereas some people like to use a newly opened hole in the fence at the Ballymote end of hill to access this lovely wildlife area with amazing views over Downpatrick toward Saintfield, Ballynahinch, Slieve Croob and the Mournes,” said Cllr Enright.

He said after the gate was erected, there was a marked reduction in fires in the area between 2023 to 2024. But he said an unofficial access point has been created at the Ballymote end which has coincided with a spate of new fires.

“It is difficult to know how to proceed,” said Cllr Enright.

“The Housing Executive and Dunleath Estates have co-operated with the police and Fire Service over this issue in the past and organising a new meeting between the partners is clearly now called for.”

Previously, South Down MLA Colin McGrath called on police to increase patrols in the Samson’s Lane area following a spate of malicious fires after he was contacted by a number of concerned residents.

They feared the fires could potentially reach their homes given the current hot spell and tinder dry ground conditions.

Mr McGrath said people living nearby should not have to worry about their safety or the threat of damage to property caused by reckless behaviour and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in or around Samson’s Lane to report it to police. 

He said preventing a potential tragedy has to be everyone’s priority.