Firefighters have spent the weekend tackling multiple wildfires in the Mourne Mountains area of County Down.

One of the blazes broke out on the Slievenaman Road in Newcastle, while another fire continues to rage on Ballagh Road near an area known as Bloody Bridge.

It comes after a yellow warning for wildfires was issued across Northern Ireland from last Wednesday until at least Sunday, with an amber warning also in place for some areas on Thursday and Friday of last week.

At the height of the incident at Bloody Bridge there were approximately 80 firefighters in attendance from Newcastle, Kilkeel, Banbridge, Newry, Rathfriland, Newtownards, Warrenpoint and Lisburn Fire Stations.

placeholder image — Firefighters and appliances remain at the scene of wildfires that are spreading across the Mourne mountains.

In an update yesterday (April 26), the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said on social media that crews were dealing with a number of wildland fires including in the Hilltown area.

“Hillwalkers and locals are requested to avoid the area due to fire risk, heavy smoke and to help support firefighting operations,” a post read.

“Please act responsibly if you are in the countryside this weekend. If you see a fire, call 999 immediately.”

South Down MP Chris Hazzard expressed his gratitude to the emergency services who have been tackling the wildfires and has urged the public to strictly adhere to safety warnings.

He added: "Once again, our fire crews are showing incredible bravery and dedication, working in difficult conditions to protect the heart of the Mournes.

"These mountains are a precious natural resource and a site of immense beauty, and it is devastating to see hectares of vegetation destroyed by fire yet again.

"I want to pay tribute to the 52 firefighters and the specialist teams on the ground overnight. Their efforts have thankfully brought the Slievenaman Road blaze under control, but the risk remains high across the region."

Meanwhile, a local takeaway shop have showed their caring side by offering free food and drinks to firefighters who are working to bring the blazes under control.

McCann’s Traditional Fish and Chips, based in Castlewellan, announced the kind gesture on social media.

A Facebook post reads: “We are incredibly grateful to the firefighters and emergency services working tirelessly to protect homes, wildlife, and our community. Your courage and dedication do not go unnoticed.

“At McCann’s, we want to do our small part to support you — all firefighters will receive free food and drinks for the duration of the fire.

“We kindly ask for our customers’ understanding during this time. Firefighters will be given priority and may skip the queue, as they are working under intense conditions to keep everyone safe.”

During a dry spell in April last year the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) reported attending nearly 300 wildfire incidents.

These included a blaze in the Mourne Mountains in Co Down which sparked a major incident and saw people evacuated from their homes.

As a result, a new action plan was launched aimed at reducing the threat of wildfires in Northern Ireland earlier this month.