By Rebecca Black, PA
Firefighters have returned to the Mourne Mountains for a third day tackling a major blaze.
More than 100 firefighters and 12 appliances fought the flames across challenging terrain on Saturday.
Teams returned to the Co Down peaks at 6am on Sunday.
As the sun starts to set on a long, hard day for our Firefighters and our partners we want to thank all of them for their hard work in the major incident in the Mournes. The incident is ongoing and will continue into tomorrow.
📷@ConorK_Photohttps://t.co/FuUQNot1Ji pic.twitter.com/qfUotGQrxE— Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) April 24, 2021
Their efforts have been supported by police, Coastguard, Mourne Rescue Team, Forestry Service, National Trust, NIEA and Sky Watch Patrol.
Coastguard helicopters from the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain allowed fire chiefs an aerial view of the blaze to help inform tactics, transport personnel to remote locations and plan resources.
The public has been urged to stay away.
Aidan Jennings, assistant chief fire and rescue officer, said it is “undoubtedly one of the most challenging gorse fires firefighters have ever had to deal with”.
He said fire crews will be available to those who need them despite the operation in the Mournes, but asked the public to be extra fire aware.
“I want to reassure everyone that we have put contingency measures in place and if you need us in an emergency we will respond,” he said.
“However, I am asking everyone to be extra fire aware at this time both in your home and in particular in the countryside.”
The North's Environment Minister Edwin Poots said local people and businesses have been sending food and refreshments to those battling the fire.
On behalf of #Newcastle and the wider #Mournes community in #SouthDown I want to extend a heartfelt message of gratitude to the men & women of @NIFRSOFFICIAL who once again came to our rescue this weekend
Heroes one and all 🙌🏻
📸 ConorK_Photo pic.twitter.com/Tks5ZJkcP5— Chris Hazzard (@ChrisHazzardSF) April 24, 2021
The blaze in the Slieve Donard area started in the early hours of Friday.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident on Saturday.
There is no indication yet of how it started.
Dramatic images of the mountains ablaze sparked concern, with Northern Ireland 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.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill voiced “huge admiration” for the firefighters and all responders.
On Saturday the flames spread from Bloody Bridge, across Thomas Mountain and the base of Slieve Donard, as well up Northern Ireland’s highest peak to less accessible ground.
On Sunday the focus of firefighting efforts were in the Bloody Bridge area following overnight winds.
