More than 40 firefighters battled a large blaze overnight in a hay shed in Co Down.
Around 300 sheep were moved out of the shed on Cascum Road in Banbridge, while efforts continued to extinguish the fire.
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) confirmed that the fire had been extinguished by early this afternoon and all of the animals had been led to safety.
The fire was believed to have been caused by accidental ignition, NIFRS said.
The large fire at a hay shed on Cascum Road, Banbridge, has now ended. All of the animals were led to safety by our Large Animal Rescue Team and Firefighters extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental ignition. pic.twitter.com/RRol1UZlIF
— Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) April 3, 2026
Earlier, area commander Suzanne Fleming said that operations would continue "for some time".
"The initial call was received at 9.03pm, Thursday 2 April 2026," she said.
"Initially, 300 sheep in the shed were led to safety by NIFRS Large Animal Rescue Team from Newcastle.
"The fire is in hay, which is being removed by a telehandler to help extinguish the fire.
"Over 40 firefighters and six fire appliances have been working throughout the night to bring it under control.
"Operations will continue for some time."
DUP MP for Upper Bann Carla Lockhart said she was "very relieved to hear that hundreds of sheep have been rescued following the hay shed fire in Banbridge".
"Not all superheroes wear capes. A huge thank you to our firefighters for their swift response and continued efforts," Ms Lockhart said.
