Fire Service continues to fight wildfire hotspots on Slievenamon
Latest update from Tipperary Fire Service on the eight day of the wildfire on the mountain
Tipperary Fire Service crews are continuing to deal with the remaining fire hotspots on Slievenamon today (Monday, July 27) through a combination of helicopter water drops and firefighters on the ground beating down and suppressing the blaze.
Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Carol Kennedy said Tipperary Fire Service is still using aerial support from a private helicopter company to deal with the hot spots and they are monitoring the mountainside in case a pick-up in temperatures reignites the fire in areas it has been suppressed.
“We still have a lot of smoke rolling down from the north side of the mountain.”
While there has been some rain on the mountain, she said it was too light to make any difference and, in fact, it nearly hampered the operation as it increased smoke in areas where the fire was suppressed.
She said what was really needed was a good spell of really heavy rainfall.
In a statement issued at 3.15pm, Tipperary Fire Service said the overall situation on the mountain remains stable with no significant changes in the status of the wildfire since the previous update yesterday evening.
Crews continue to monitor and address a small number of isolated hot spots as part of the ongoing response operation.
“Emergency services are continuing to monitor smoke activity.
“In many instances, smoke flare-ups are occurring as a result of changing and swirling wind conditions, together with the ongoing water dampening and suppression activities being carried out on the mountain.
“All reported incidents are being assessed and dealt with as required.
“ Members of the public can be reassured that there remains no risk to lives or property arising from the incident.
“Emergency services will continue to maintain a presence in the area, monitor conditions closely and respond to any developments as necessary,” the statement concluded.