In pictures: Mourne Mountains gorse fire engulfs the slopes of Slieve Donard
Firefighters are continuing to tackle a fierce blaze on steep slopes Slieve Donard.
The NI Fire and Rescue Service has declared the fire on the Mourne Mountains in County Down a "major incident".
Scenes unfolding in the area of outstanding natural beauty have been described as "deeply distressing".
NI Fire and Rescue ServiceThere was hope on Friday morning that the gorse fire could be easily contained
Brenda HorganUp to 70 firefighters negotiated challenging terrain to tackle the blaze
PacemakerBut easterly winds soon caused the fire to spread across the lower slopes of Slieve Donard, the Glen River Valley and Thomas Mountain
Paul TonerSmoke and flames could be seen from as far away as Belfast
PAcemaker Tributes have been paid to the "heroic work" of the emergency services
PacemakerFire appliances have been unable to reach the fire on the steep mountain slopes - firefighters have been beating the flames with shovels
PacemakerEfforts to contain the blaze on Northern Ireland's highest mountain continued on Friday and Saturday
Chris FeenanBut as daylight faded on Friday, the severity of the fire was brought into sharp relief against the shadow of the mountains
Brenda HoganThe fire continued to burn as fire crews retreated overnight on Friday, ready to direct "significant resources" to the Mourne Mountains on Saturday
Tony WatsonPolice have urged the public to stay away from the area on Saturday to allow firefighters to concentrate on the blaze
