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Forest fires were suspected arson Forest fire was suspected arson
(about 1 hour later)
A series of overnight fires in Slieve Gullion Forest Park were started deliberately, the Fire and Rescue Service believe. Firefighters in Northern Ireland have tackled nearly 900 wildland fires in the past six weeks.
The alarm was raised by the Forestry Service at about 2130 BST on Tuesday. The figure was revealed as it emerged overnight fires in Slieve Gullion Forest Park are being treated as arson.
Four separate fires were started amongst young trees - each spreading rapidly to destroy about an acre. The alarm was raised on Tuesday after four separate fires started in young trees in the County Down park - each destroying about an acre of land.
John Allen, Fire and Rescue Service, said it was fortunate that the alert was raised early as the forest could have been destroyed. John Allen of the Fire and Rescue Service said the forest could have been destroyed in the blaze.
"We were very fortunate in that we received the call early and we had appliances at hand," he said."We were very fortunate in that we received the call early and we had appliances at hand," he said.
"I would be certain in my own mind that these fires were started deliberately.""I would be certain in my own mind that these fires were started deliberately."
The Forestry Service raised the alarm at about 2130 BST on Tuesday.
The Fire and Rescue Service said its crews had attended 880 wildland fires across Northern Ireland from 1 April - 13 May.
They urged people to be extra careful while out enjoying the countryside in the warm dry weather and to be vigilant for anyone starting fires deliberately.