Almost 50 firefighters tackle blaze in Mourne Mountains

Almost 50 firefighters are tackling a blaze in the Mourne Mountains.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said they were alerted to the wildfire in the Silent Valley area around 5pm on Friday.

In a statement NIFRS said six fire appliances and 49 firefighters were at the scene at Carrigenagh Road close to Kilkeel on Friday night.

“Following an initial call just after 5pm on Friday, March 21 2025 Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has been tackling a wildfire on Carrigenagh Road, Silent Valley, outside Kilkeel,” a spokesperson said.

“There are six fire appliances and 49 firefighters from Kilkeel, Warrenpoint, Newcastle, Rathfriland and Newry supported by a Command Support Unit in attendance.

“Locals are requested to avoid the area to help support firefighting operations.”