Tipperary Fire Service seeks aerial support in battling major fire in Slievenamon area
Tipperary Fire Service has appealed to the public to stay away from the immediate area of the fire
Tipperary Fire & Rescue Service crews are battling a major fire in the Slievenamon area of south Tipperary, with smoke from the blaze visible for miles.
Fire fighters have been working to get the wildfire in a forested area on the Killurney side of Slievenamon under control throughout today (Monday, July 20). It’s understood the fire was first reported to the emergency services around 8.45am with fire tenders from Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir sent to the scene of the blaze. Plumes of smoke were still billowing from the blaze at 8.30pm this evening.
A statement from Tipperary Fire Service said 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.
The Fire Service said it was premature to comment on the cause of the fire, the extent of the damage or the full scale of the response operation as the incident is ongoing.
“These matters will be assessed as the situation develops and verified information becomes available.”
Smoke billowing from the fire is visible over a large area of Slievenamon’s hinterland.
Tipperary Fire Service has appealed to the public to stay away from the immediate area where the fire is located.
“Members of the public may notice smoke visible some distance from the affected area,” said the statement.
“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 reminded 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.”
The statement added that 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.