Tipperary firefighters tackling another wildfire flare-up on Slievenamon
Tipperary Fire & Rescue Service reports the overall situation on Slievenamon remains stable
Tipperary Fire & Rescue Service firefighters and Coillte personnel are today (Wednesday, July 29) tackling a “small localised fire” on the western side of Slievenamon.
The Service, however, stressed that the overall situation on Slievenamon remains stable with the emergency services continuing to manage isolated flare-ups and monitor the affected area.
“A small, localised fire has been identified on the western side of Slievenamon,” said the Fire Service in an update issued at 9.30am.
“Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service and Coillte are actively managing the situation, with the assistance of aerial support.
“There is currently no risk to life or property arising from this incident.
“It is hoped that all remaining hotspots across the mountain will be brought under control over the coming days.
“The affected area will continue to be closely managed and monitored by Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service, Coillte and supporting agencies. Outbreaks of fire activity and isolated flare-ups are to be expected following a wildfire event of this scale.
“It is anticipated that such flare-ups may continue until substantial rainfall is received to sufficiently dampen down the affected areas.
“Tipperary Fire & Rescue Service has liaised with Met Éireann and, at present, only light showers are forecast in the coming days. All reports of smoke or fire activity will continue to be assessed and responded to as required by emergency services.
The Service reassured the public that there is currently no risk to life or property.
“ The public is thanked for its continued cooperation, support and vigilance while monitoring and response operations continue,” it added.
Meanwhile, Fire Service crews from Clonmel and Cahir and a helicopter battled a flare-up of the wildfire on the south-eastern part of the mountain near Killusty Yesterday (Tuesday, July 28).
The firefighting operation on the mountain was downscaled on Monday night as the emergency services had succeeded in largely containing the wildfire that had raged since the previous Monday, July 20.
The Fire Service planned to have a limited crew on duty on the mountain on Tuesday but were called into action on Tuesday morning after fire activity was reported on the Killusty side of the mountain shortly after 7am.
Ms Kennedy said such flare-ups are to be expected until there is heavy rainfall, as there is a lot of heat on the mountainside.
“Until we get rain pounding into the peat, we will see a lot of flare-ups.”
She said firefighters are digging out peat they are concerned about and maintaining firebreaks on the mountain.
Ms Kennedy said the fact controlled burning of gorse land is no longer allowed means gorse on some parts of the mountain has grown to a height that firefighters can't beat down.
She paid tribute to all who have been involved in the firefighting operation over the past week and a half and said the Fire Service was determined to stop the wildfire from getting hold on the mountain again.
Too early to determine extent of damage
Coillte crews have worked alongside the Fire Service in battling the wildfire over the past 10 days. The fire that started on gorse land spread to Coillte forestry last Wednesday, July 22 after a change in wind direction.
Coillte said it was too early to determine the extent of the damage the fire has caused to forestry.
In a statement, it said significant resources remain deployed on site as its crews continue to monitor and respond to changing conditions on the ground.
“Personnel from Coillte and its contractors have been deployed throughout the incident in support of the multi-agency response, alongside Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service, the Air Corps and other emergency services.
“The available information at present indicates the wildfire originated on open mountain habitat before subsequently spreading into adjoining forest areas.
“ It is too early to determine the full extent of the damage caused by the wildfire, including the total area of forestry affected.
“Detailed assessments will be carried out after the fire has been fully extinguished.
“Throughout the incident, Coillte personnel have been working alongside emergency services in co-ordinated efforts to support firefighting and containment operations.
“Measures employed have included the utilisation of existing forest infrastructure and firebreaks, deployment of trained Coillte personnel and forestry equipment, ongoing ground monitoring and co-ordination with aerial firefighting assets including Coillte and Air Corps helicopters and emergency response partners.
“Operational decisions continue to be guided by conditions on the ground and the priority of ensuring the safety of firefighting personnel and the public.”
Coillte said it wished to acknowledge the contribution of local communities, landowners and farmers who have supported the response effort throughout the incident.