FIREFIGHTERS have been working in "challenging and exhausting conditions" as a major incident was declared over huge gorse fires in counties Antrim, Down and Tyrone.
Over 130 firefighters were called to tackle the wildfire at Glenariff in the Glens of Antrim, and a second major gorse fire near Clogher on Wednesday afternoon.
An earlier gorse fire was extinguished in the Mourne's area at Slievenaman Road, near Newcastle.
A number of smaller fires were also reported on Wednesday, stretching NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) resources.
Ten fire appliances and over 80 firefighters worked at the Glenariff blaze, close to Ballyemon Road, while 50 firefighters and four appliances were sent to the Clogher blaze at Corleaghan Road.
NIFRS assistant chief fire and rescue officer Aidan Jennings said on Wednesday: “Our firefighters are working in challenging and exhausting conditions this evening in bringing two sizable gorse fires under control.
"We have dedicated substantial resources to these incidents from right across Northern Ireland. This coupled with other ongoing incidents has resulted in a major incident being declared this evening. I expect these incidents to continue across the evening and into tomorrow."
Mr Jennings said contingency plans were in place for dealing with other call-outs, and urged the public to avoid the areas and also to act responsibly in areas prone to gorse fires in the ongoing hot dry weather.
The majority of gorse fires in the north result from human behavior, with causes including the use of disposable barbecues and cigarettes.
"Please act safely, be responsible and be vigilant when it comes to enjoying the countryside and good weather," he added.
"Please pay heed to our safety advice as conditions are ripe for more gorse fires to take hold. These types of incidents are extremely resource intensive and challenging for our firefighters and we need your support.”
