Disaster averted after officers distinguish burning fire on beach

Disaster averted after officers distinguish burning fire on beach

14 May 2025

WITHIN hours of the Stormont Minister’s warning that wildfires could cost lives, police offers on patrol at Murlough beach averted another disastrous blaze.

They came across wooden logs on fire which were dangerously close to tinder dry vegetation on the dunes.

Officers put out the suspected makeshift camp fire to ensure no sparks or burning embers were blown into the dunes which would have immediately ignited, preventing another major wildfire in the area.

Police also noted a number of young people leaving the area when we arrived, with a number of parents waiting on the main road to collect them.

Officers have appealed young people to be responsible when enjoying our outdoor spaces.

The discovery of the camp fire came after a video was posted online showing rubbish strewn  across the beach, with the National Trust expressing concern at the increase in antisocial behaviour at Murlough, including partying, camping, loud music, drinking, lighting fires and littering.

The conservation charity says the Reserve is an Area of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation.

The charity says drinking alcohol, littering, lighting fires, and camping on the reserve it not permitted.

Prior to Sunday’s overnight rain, the Trust issued a reminder that Northern Ireland was under a Yellow Wildfire Warning and that one stray spark from a campfire, barbecue or cigarette could ignite the delicate dune system

“Noise and disturbance can seriously impact ground-nesting birds and fragile habitats and this kind of behaviour pulls our small team away from vital conservation work to clean up litter and spend limited charitable funds on waste disposal,” said the Trust.

“Let’s all do our part to protect this special place for both people and wildlife. If you witness any antisocial behaviour, please report it to the PSNI via the 101 number.”