Horrifying damage is being wreaked by one of the largest gorse fires in recent years in Northern Ireland, a Stormont minister has said.
Firefighters are spending a second day in the Mourne Mountains, battling the flames through demanding terrain.
The blaze in the Slieve Donard area started in the early hours of Friday morning.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident and the public has been urged to stay away.
On Saturday afternoon, more than 70 firefighters and 10 fire appliances from across Northern Ireland were involved in the operation.
Dramatic images of the Co Down peak ablaze have sparked concern, with First Minister Arlene Foster tweeting: âThis is devastating and tragic. The impact on wildlife and flora is unimaginable. Full support to those battling the flames.â
Firefighters are spending a second day in the Mourne Mountains, battling the flames through demanding terrain.
The blaze in the Slieve Donard area started in the early hours of Friday morning.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident and the public has been urged to stay away.
On Saturday afternoon, more than 70 firefighters and 10 fire appliances from across Northern Ireland were involved in the operation.
Dramatic images of the Co Down peak ablaze have sparked concern, with First Minister Arlene Foster tweeting: “This is devastating and tragic. The impact on wildlife and flora is unimaginable. Full support to those battling the flames.”
Mourne Mountains fire: Major incident declared as firefighters battle most challenging gorse blaze
People are being asked to stay away from the area to allow firefighters to do their job
Updated
Environment Minister Edwin Poots has visited the Mourne Mountains to thank the first responders battling an extensive wildfire in the area (Image: Press Eye)
Never miss a thing from Belfast and beyond - sign up for FREE newsletter direct to your inboxInvalid EmailSomething went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Your information will be used in accordance with ourPrivacy Notice.
Dramatic images show huge gorse fire that firefighters are tackling in Northern Ireland
Fire service escalating operations in the Mournes
Huge gorse fire spreading across the Mourne Mountains in Co Down
Sign up to the Hull Live newsletter for daily updates and breaking newsInvalid EmailSomething went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up here!
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Your information will be used in accordance with ourPrivacy Notice.
Thank you for subscribingWe have more newslettersShow meSee ourprivacy notice
Firefighters in Northern Ireland are escalating their battle against a major gorse fire in the Mourne Mountains.