Firefighters continue to fight large wildfires in the Mourne Mountains. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service expects operations to last through the week. About 95 firefighters attended incidents on Slievenaman Road and Ballagh Road in Newcastle, and Sandbank Road in Hilltown since the weekend.

Environment Minister Andrew Muir rejected a claim of no consequences for deliberate fires. He stated arsonists could face prison. Muir called for public help to identify those responsible.

Mourne Mountain Rescue team co-ordinator Martin McMullan said the fires over the weekend did not appear to start from recreational activities. He noted the starting areas were nearly inaccessible to the public.

PSNI Inspector Paddy Heatley warned that starting wildfires deliberately is a criminal offence. He said identified individuals can expect arrest and court appearance.

More than 50 firefighters responded to a blaze on Slievenaman Road in Newcastle. Residents near the fires were on standby for possible evacuation. Firefighters also handled smaller wildfires in Belfast, Armagh, Lurgan and Rathfriland.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs published a wildfire action plan earlier this month. It outlines measures to improve resilience and reduce fire frequency and severity.