The South Down MP was commenting following confirmation from the Fire & Rescue Service on Monday that they believe the fire was started deliberately.
Chris Hazzard said, “The Mournes’ fire covered nearly four square kilometres; required more than 100 firefighters; Coastguard air support; and extensive multi-agency community response.
“Significantly however it also devastated wildlife habitat; poisoned our water and air; and released damaging greenhouse gases.
“While nobody will be surprised that the fire was deliberate, the fact that somebody would act in such a reckless and careless manner is sickening.
“Fundamentally a cultural shift is required on the burning of land for agricultural purposes,” he continued.
Volunteering at the WhereHouse
Chris Harmison, James Landenburg, Julie Balmer and Beth Deere, members of the OSU Alumni Club of Champaign County, take a break from filling bags with non-perishable food at the WhereHouse Food Pantry, 110 W. Church St., on Tuesday. A ministry of the Urbana United Methodist Church, the WhereHouse distributes food and other items the third week of each month. Besides food, The WhereHouse collects and distributes personal hygiene items and paper products. OSU Alumni Club members volunteer once a quarter. Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate items can email wherehouse.dir@gmail.com. The WhereHouse is open the week that follows the third Sunday of each month: 9 a.m.-noon weekdays and 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday. People stopping by for goods are asked to have a photo ID, proof of Champaign County residency and (if possible) bags or boxes for their items. For more info, visit urbanaumc.com and scroll down to “the WhereHouse.”
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