Up to 2,000 pigs have perished in a fire on a farm which left one man injured.
Firefighters were called to the blaze in Kilkeel, County Down, shortly before 9pm on Monday.
Four fire appliances attended the scene and worked to prevent the flames spreading from a shed housing the pigs to adjacent farm buildings.
Between 1,500 and 2,000 pigs are believed to have been killed in Northern Ireland.
One fire worker suffered minor burns to his feet in the incident and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The fire, which is believed to have been accidental, was brought under control at around 11.50pm.
Special animal rescue teams worked alongside fire crews at the scene.
Assistant Group Commander Martin Healy said the crew arrived to a well-developed blaze and they "worked in difficult conditions to prevent the fire spreading to adjacent buildings".
He said it was "a very difficult scene to witness".
They were able to stop the fire spreading to other buildings where more pigs were being kept.
The Fire Service said the number of animals killed was approaching 2,000.
The man returned home after treatment for a burn.
