Firefighters spent hours tackling a large gorse fire on a mountain range on Sunday evening.
It happened on Bernish near Newry in Co Down around 3:40pm on March 22nd
Two fire engines from Newry and Warrenpoint were called and the crews tried to bring the flames under control.
The fire crews were later forced to retreat come dark, leaving the scene at around 7:45pm.
It is now being allowed to burn out under surveillance, with a decision on the fire to be made in the morning.
It is understood that the fire was started deliberately.
Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins said that people were "putting lives at risk".
She said: “This is a disgrace and those who have started this horse fire should be ashamed of themselves.
"Not only do these reckless actions put lives at risk but they are also diverting the vital resources of the emergency services at this crucial time”.
The Sinn Féin MLA added “We are in a time of uncertainty and crisis. The last thing we need is this type of serious criminal anti social actions. It must stop and stop now”.
