Urgent appeal: Stop flying drones near Slievenamon fire - emergency services plea
An urgent appeal has been issued asking members of the public to stop flying drones in the area of a wildfire near the South Kilkenny border - warning “if you fly, we can’t!”
As the wildfire on Slievenamon reignited on Monday, the appeal was issued by the Fire and Rescue Service of South Tipperary, which is responding to the fire.
In a statement from Tipperary County Council they said: “As the Slievenamon fire continues to pose a threat, Tipperary County Council and emergency services are urgently appealing to the public to cease flying drones near the area.
“Drone activity is currently restricting aerial firefighting operations, hindering the effectiveness of the emergency response. Aerial firefighting resources are essential in fighting the fire and targeting active fire locations on the mountain. However, firefighting aircraft are unable to operate when unauthorised drones are present in the airspace due to safety requirements.
“The public is being asked to avoid the area and immediately stop all drone activity while emergency operations are ongoing. Cooperation from the public is crucial to supporting the efforts of emergency services, Coillte personnel, and partner agencies in containing and extinguishing the fire.
“If you fly, we can't. Drones in the vicinity of the fire are preventing aerial firefighting aircraft from operating. We urgently ask the public to keep the airspace clear and stay away from the area while emergency services continue to tackle the fire," stated a representative from Tipperary County Council.”
Earlier today (Tuesday) it was reported that conditions on Slievenamon had improved significantly overnight.
A drone survey conducted by Coillte personnel early this morning confirmed that the adjacent forestry area does not appear to be affected by fire. The firebreaks that were previously established have proven effective in protecting the forestry plantation. Coillte staff will continue to monitor the area throughout the day.
An inspection of the mountain this morning initially suggested that the fire was largely under control. However, as fog began to clear after 7.30am, areas of active combustion became visible on Slievenamon Bog near the summit.