WATCH: Slievenamon locals reveal fears after devastating wildfire
As the smoke clears from Slievenamon residents speak about the fire and its impact
Over the past eleven days, Slievenamon has become the centre of one of the most significant wildfire operations ever seen in Tipperary, highlighting the growing threat of wildfires across Europe.
A landscape long associated with natural beauty has instead become the scene of a major emergency response and although the worst of the blaze has now been brought under control, crew remain at the scene dealing with flare-ups.
The wildfire first broke out on July 20, and has required a major response from Tipperary Fire &andRescue Service, Coillte personnel, the Air Corps and supporting agencies.
Speaking to the Tipperary Star, Labour councillor Michael ‘Chicken’ Brennan believes lessons must be learned to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
Reflecting on how wildfire management has changed over the years, Cllr Brennan said the mountains were once managed differently.
"Up to 30 years ago the mountains were maintained and cut back and there were controlled fires burning in the gorse and this was working well. Then Coillte took over the mountains and we have seen a reduced level of that," he said.
He also believes additional resources may be needed for Tipperary Fire & Rescue Service emergency services.
Cllr Brennan called for greater cooperation between public bodies, local farmers and land managers to help prevent future disasters.
"We need the likes of the council, Coillte and other stakeholders to come together because we can't let this happen anywhere else.”
He added by saying that this could have been a catastrophe for villages like Ballypatrick, Kilcash and Killusty.
Residents of the village Killusty, nestled on the foothills of Slievenamon described the impact the wildfire has had on their community.
Among them was 94-year-old Christy Williams, who has lived in Killusty all his life, who said he had never witnessed a wildfire of this scale.
"No, I have never seen a fire last a whole week like this. We have never had a fire that lasted like that. Most of the old turf is lighting under the heather, and that is what is keeping the fire going. We have often seen fires but never like this."
”The people in Killurney would have been very much affected... the smoke affected them there for about two days."
He also expressed concern about the impact on wildlife.
"The grouse would be the worst affected. They'd be nesting and they nest on the ground."
"Well of course climate change makes an awful difference. We never had that much heat in July before. I think it is close to 40 or 50 years since we had that sort of heat”, he added.
Local resident Anne-Marie Morrissey from Lisnatubrid recalled the frightening moment the fire reached farmland close to her home.
"We had our frightening experience on Wednesday evening (July 22). It had come down to our farmland. To see it come so close and travel so fast was frightening."
She praised the strong local community spirit in the area for acting fast.
"My sons are local contractors and we kicked into gear and decided they would bring up tractors with tankers of water. Half an hour later the yard was full of other farmers helping out. Everyone in the community just came together."
Like many residents, Ms Morrissey believes the prolonged dry conditions contributed significantly to the spread of the wildfire.
"Everyone talks about climate change. This is a very unusual dry summer that we've had. The foliage is so dry and that's why the fire has spread so much because of the dry conditions, and there is still no sign of rain."
As the smoke begins to clear from Slievenamon, the scale of the emergency operation and the response from firefighters, volunteers and local communities will long be remembered.
However, the wildfire has also raised a wider question. As periods of prolonged dry weather become more common and the threat of wildfires grows across Europe, are we fully prepared for what lies ahead?