Firefighters in Northern Ireland are currently battling an unprecedented wave of wildfires, with nearly 150 incidents reported in just three days.

A major incident was declared in the Hilltown area of the Mourne Mountains, where over 100 firefighters and multiple appliances were deployed to combat a large blaze under challenging conditions.

As a precaution, residents near the Hilltown fire and those on Sandbank and Kilbroney roads were evacuated while firefighters worked to control the situation.

Fire crews are also focused on a gorse fire at Bloody Bridge, near Newcastle, County Down, which continues to pose a threat of escalation.

In connection with the Hilltown blaze, a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson but has since been released on bail.

Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister, Andrew Muir, has expressed grave concerns about the potential loss of life and severe environmental damage caused by these deliberate wildfires.

Officials have noted that a significant majority of the wildfires were reportedly started deliberately, raising serious public safety concerns.

In light of the ongoing situation, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has issued an amber wildfire warning due to forecasted rising temperatures that increase the risk of new ignitions.

During a visit to the Mourne Mountains, Muir assessed the wildfire damage and urged the public to report any information about arsonists to the authorities.

Area commander David Harbinson indicated that the dry weather and increasing temperatures could lead to more challenging firefighting conditions in the days ahead.

Firefighters are bracing for a continued high workload as dry and windy weather is expected to persist throughout the week.

Muir has called for a new approach to prescribed burning periods and emphasized the need for community cooperation to prevent further wildfires.