More than 50 firefighters battled blazes over the weekend in a number of areas across the range, as hot and dry weather continued.
A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) spokesperson said crews “are currently dealing with a number of wildland fires in the Ballagh Road, Newcastle and Sandbank Road, Hilltown areas of the Mourne Mountains”.
They added: “Hill walkers and locals are requested to avoid the area due to fire risk, heavy smoke and to help support firefighting operations. NIFRS request the public act responsibly if you are in the countryside this weekend.”
Daera minister Andrew Muir said: “The impact of these fires is real and significant, with lives potentially at risk, communities in fear and natural habitats destroyed,” he said.
“I am immensely grateful to the NI Fire and Rescue Service for the sustained response in challenging conditions and would urge everyone to heed calls to stay away whilst firefighting continues.”
Meanwhile Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard said: “This incident serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable our landscape is during these periods.
"I urge everyone to be extremely careful and vigilant while the current weather warnings remain in effect to prevent further damage to our environment and any risk to life.”
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Firefighters and appliances remain at the scene of wildfires that are spreading across the Mourne mountains. Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye Photo: Photographer / Phil Magowan
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Firefighters and appliances remain at the scene of wildfires that are spreading across the Mourne mountains. Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye Photo: Photographer / Phil Magowan
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Firefighters and appliances remain at the scene of wildfires that are spreading across the Mourne mountains. Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye Photo: Photographer / Phil Magowan
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Firefighters and appliances remain at the scene of wildfires that are spreading across the Mourne mountains. Photo by Phil Magowan / Press Eye Photo: Photographer / Phil Magowan