Firefighting operations to continue in Mourne Mountains across the week

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

Firefighting operations in the Mourne Mountains are to continue across the week.

Almost 100 firefighters tackled wildfires on Monday.

The operation started at the weekend in a number of areas across the range, as hot and dry weather continued.

NIFRS are in attendance at wildfire incidents in the Mourne Mountains.
Incident at Ballagh Road has been scaled back. Crews will be remaining on scene and will monitor.
Firefighting operations are currently continuing at the Sandbank Road incident near Hilltown. pic.twitter.com/ka0NeNwaJA

— Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) April 26, 2026

On Monday the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) indicated the work is expected to continue across this week.

A spokesperson said about 95 firefighters were involved in fighting wildfires in the area of Ballagh Road, Newcastle, and Sandbank Road, Hilltown.

“Firefighting operations are expected to continue across the week and so we are reiterating our appeal for the public to avoid these areas,” they said.

At the weekend, firefighters also tackled a number of other smaller wildfires in Belfast, Armagh, Lurgan and Rathfriland.

“As the weather warning for wildfires remains in place, NIFRS is reminding the public to stay vigilant to the risk of fire in the countryside. If you see a fire, call 999 immediately.”