More than 50 firefighters from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service tackled multiple wildfires in the Mourne Mountains in County Down overnight. The fires broke out at Slievenaman Road near Newcastle and the Bloody Bridge area on Ballagh Road, with additional blazes in the Hilltown area.

Group Commander Peter Blaney stated that the Slievenaman Road fire, which burned about 10 hectares of vegetation, is now under control. Resources including six pumping appliances, a water tanker, an off-road vehicle, and a command unit remain at the scene.

South Down MP Chris Hazzard thanked the 52 firefighters and specialist teams for their work in difficult conditions. He noted their efforts protected the Mourne Mountains area.

Road diversions are in place at the junctions of Bryansford Road, Moyad Road, and Trassey Road. NIFRS requested that hillwalkers and locals avoid the areas due to fire risk, heavy smoke, and to support operations.

A Yellow Wildfire Alert from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs took effect on Wednesday across areas with dead grasses, gorse, and heather. NIFRS area commander Ryan Thompson advised the public to act responsibly in the countryside, avoid open flames, dispose of cigarettes and barbecues properly, and call 999 if seeing a fire.