A Co Down mountain fire that ran for several kilometres last night is believed to have been started deliberately.
The blaze took hold on top of Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland, near Newcastle.
Firefighters were called to the Mourne Mountains during the night and at one stage RAF and Irish Coast Guard helicopters were deployed to help combat the fire.
The crews eventually contained the flames, helped by rain and changing wind conditions.
The station commander said the response to the fire had been a huge drain on resources and was fraught with difficulties.
