Cause of Derrylaughan blaze unclear

Images and video emerged of the raging fire, which lit up up the night sky, but was said not to be a danger to homes.

Concern soon turned towards small animals that may have been living in the moss.

Mid Ulster SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn, who captured the fire on camera, said: "That fire was burning everything trees and hedges on fire. Any new borns won’t get away."

In comments below his video some questioned whether the blaze was ‘controlled burning’ in relation to CAP payments.

Department for Agriculture guidance says: "Land is only eligible to claim direct payments if the vegetation is kept in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation as outlined in the DAERA Guide to Land Eligibility 2017."

Adding: "Agricultural activity must be carried out over the entire area being claimed on a significant and consistent basis in the calendar year of the claim."

It is understood such fires are started deliberately to burn off scrub, but concerns have also been raised about the area's natural fauna and flora.