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Dramatic images of the Co Down peak ablaze have sparked concern. Credit: PA Images
Firefighters in Northern Ireland are escalating their battle against a major gorse fire in the Mourne Mountains.
The blaze in the Slieve Donard area started in the early hours of Friday morning.
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.”
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis described the scenes as “deeply distressing” at one of the region’s most beautiful landmarks. He paid tribute to the fire fighters at the scene.
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Fire damage to Mourne Mountains horrifying
Updated / Saturday, 24 Apr 2021
20:20
Firefighters are escalating operations to tackle the blaze
Horrifying damage is being wreaked by one of the largest gorse fires in recent years in Northern Ireland, Stormont s Environment Minister Edwin Poots 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 yesterday morning.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has declared a major incident and the public has been urged to stay away.
The NIFRS said over 100 firefighters and 12 appliances continued to battle one of the most challenging gorse fires firefighters have ever had to deal with .