'Challenging conditions' as emergency crews respond to fire in scenic area on Kilkenny border
Residents in South Kilkenny are alerted to an ongoing fire incident at a popular local landmark.
Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service is currently responding to a fire incident in the Slievenamon area of South Tipperary.
The incident remains ongoing and crews are continuing to work at the scene in challenging terrain conditions.
At this stage, the priority of the emergency response is to contain and extinguish the fire, protect public safety and assess any potential risk to surrounding lands and property.
Aerial support has been requested to assist in establishing the full extent of the fire and to assess any potential impact on adjoining forestry lands.
As the incident is ongoing, it would be premature to comment on the cause of the fire, the extent of any damage, or the full scale of the response operation. These matters will be assessed as the situation develops and verified information becomes available.
Members of the public may notice smoke visible some distance from the affected area. Anyone in the vicinity is advised to avoid the immediate area where possible and to follow any directions issued by emergency services personnel.
Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service also takes this opportunity to remind landowners, visitors and members of the public to exercise extreme caution during the current period of warm and dry weather.
The public is urged not to light fires or barbecues in or near forests, grasslands or upland areas and to report any signs of fire immediately to the emergency services.
Tipperary County Council is liaising closely with all relevant agencies involved in the response and will provide further updates as additional verified information becomes available.