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Firefighters tackling wildfire in Mournes

Catherine DoyleBBC News NI
News imageShaun McAuley Smoke is rising from a mountain. Several fire engines are parked. Some trees and yellow bushes are growing. A few buildings are in the distance. Shaun McAuley
The fire has broke out at the Slievenaman Road in Newcastle

Firefighters are tackling a wildfire on the Mourne Mountains in County Down.

The blaze broke out on the Slievenaman Road in Newcastle.

It comes as a yellow warning for wildfires remains in place across Northern Ireland.

People are being asked to avoid the area.

News imageA map of the County Down area. The Slievenaman Road is displayed in pin in red. Other areas in the map include Bloody Bridge, Newcastle, and Spelga Dam. The sea is to the right. A mountainous area is in the centre.

NIFRS Group Commander Peter Blaney said the fire is burning over about 10 hectares.

He added that a lot of vegetation has been burnt, but that fire crews have the blaze under control.

"This is in the heart of the Mournes, so it has been affected by wildfires before," he said.

Resources from throughout Northern Ireland are involved, with 52 firefighters attending.

Six pumping appliances, a water tanker, an off-road vehicle, and a command unit are present.

Diversions are in place at the junction of Bryansford Road, Moyad Road and Trassey Road.