By Iveren McCallion
The USPCA says Friday night's gorse blaze in Newry has had a devastating impact on wildlife population.
It says numerous appalled locals have given accounts of abandoned, scorched bird's nests and eggs.
A badger found injured by the roadside the following day is currently undergoing treatment.
The fast-spreading fires were reported at around 9:20pm on Friday night.
It's understood more than 50 firefighters tackled the blaze which is believed to have been started deliberately.