The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service extinguished a wildfire on Ballagh Road in Newcastle, Mourne Mountains. The fire started at 6.44pm on Saturday 25 April. It burned 1,000 hectares. More than 80 firefighters tackled it at peak. Operations ended at 10.08am on Tuesday 28 April.

NIFRS believes deliberate ignition caused the Ballagh Road fire. Firefighters continue operations at Sandbank Road in Hilltown. About 50 firefighters battle a fire front over 500 metres there. Operations last through the week.

Earlier, around 95 firefighters attended fires on Slievenaman Road and Ballagh Road in Newcastle, plus Sandbank Road in Hilltown since the weekend. More than 50 firefighters responded to the Slievenaman Road blaze. Residents near the fires stood ready for evacuation.

Environment Minister Andrew Muir stated arsonists face prison sentences. He appealed for public reports on those responsible to police or Crimestoppers. His department reviews legislation on wildfire offences. The Department of Justice reviews sentencing for environmental offences.

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

PSNI Inspector Paddy Heatley stated deliberate wildfires count as criminal offences. He said identified individuals face arrest and court.

NIFRS also handled smaller wildfires in Belfast, Armagh, Lurgan and Rathfriland over the weekend. A wildfire weather warning remains across Northern Ireland. NIFRS urges calling 999 on spotting fires and avoiding affected areas.