More than 100 firefighters attack forest fires in “major incident”

A major incident was declared in a “large forest fire” in the county, near the mountains of Morne.

Fourteen fire devices and more than 100 firefighters work to turn off the fire on Sandbank Road in Hilltown.

The fire and rescue service in Northern Ireland (NIFRS) said that the fire extends over approximately two miles, including a large forestry area and near the property.

Commander of the NIFRS Group, Ross Toland, told BBC News or that a small number of nearby residents had been invited to leave their homes overnight.

He said firefighters “work very hard in difficult conditions to protect the properties closest to the fire”, adding that the operation will probably continue on Sunday morning.

This is the national partnership of dangers made a warning of amber forest fire This weekend, highlighting the probability of fires that could be difficult to control.

People are asked to avoid the area. The main road from Hilltown to Rostrevor and Sandbanks Road was closed for a number of hours but has since reopened.