Stay away! Fire Services battle wildfire for third day

In an update from Tipperary County Council, they say firefighting crews remain on site at Slievenamon this morning following continued operations overnight - but they are repeating appeals for people to stay away from the area.

Residents in the area are also advised to keep windows closed and people with respiratory conditions are advised to take care and follow health advice.

Conditions steadied overnight. The fire has remained away from forestry plantations, although it continues to burn. Earlier this morning (Wednesday), crews reported a combination of fog and smoke in the area. As conditions improve and visibility increases, firefighting operations are continuing to be assessed and progressed.

Aerial firefighting support has again been requested for today and is expected to resume later this morning, subject to operational and visibility conditions. A local water source has also been strengthened to support aerial operations.

Today’s response will focus on limiting the further spread of the fire and intensifying efforts to extinguish it where conditions allow. Current weather conditions remain favourable, with wind direction assisting firefighting efforts and temperatures expected to remain moderate through the morning. This is providing an important operational window for crews.

Fire crews maintained a presence in the area overnight. Subject to safety considerations, it is intended that a team will be deployed onto the mountain today to assess conditions at the fire line and, where possible, undertake further firefighting activity.

Members of the public are strongly urged not to travel to the fire line, whether on foot, by scrambler, or by any other vehicle. Such activity places individuals at serious risk and may obstruct or delay emergency response operations.

The public is also reminded not to operate drones in the vicinity of the fire. Unauthorised drone activity presents a serious safety hazard and may result in the grounding of firefighting aircraft, preventing critical aerial water drops and significantly impacting firefighting efforts.

Members of the public are further requested to avoid all non-essential travel to the area. Unrestricted access is required for emergency service vehicles, firefighting personnel and support crews. Public access to the affected area may delay or disrupt operations and hamper efforts to bring the fire under control.

Residents in the Slievenamon area, particularly those located downwind of the fire, are advised to keep windows and doors closed where possible due to the potential impact of smoke. Individuals with respiratory conditions, older persons and other vulnerable groups should take particular care and follow relevant public health advice.

Tipperary County Council and Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service continue to work closely with all relevant agencies in managing this incident. The situation remains under constant review and further updates will issue as verified information becomes available.

The cooperation of the public is greatly appreciated and remains essential to ensuring the safety of emergency personnel and the effectiveness of firefighting operations.