Firefighters tackle blaze in County Down forest
It's the second fire on Drinnahilly Mountain in just over a week.
Last updated 26th Jul 2018
Firefighters in County Down are dealing with a large forest fire close to Tollymore Park in Newcastle.
12 appliances and 60 firefighters were at the scene last night.
Efforts to control the blaze will continue again on Thursday morning.
On Wednesday night a Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said:
"Following receipt of a large number of calls, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are dealing with a forest fire in Newcastle in the Drinnahilly Mountain area close to Tollymore Forest park.
"A total of 8 pumping appliances and 4 specialist appliances with 60 firefighters and specialist Wildfire Officers have been engaged in firefighting operations.
"Crews have contained the fire at present but have withdrawn from the area due to night-fall and potential danger to personnel. A smaller number of personnel will remain at the scene throughout the night to monitor the situation. Operations will be scaled back up at first light tomorrow morning.
"The incident has affected approximately 8-10 acres of wildfire materials."
It's the second forest fire there in less than a fortnight.