Slievenamon fire stabilised, but public urged to avoid Thorney Bridge
An update on the Slievenamon fire, which is entering its fourth day, has provided the news that thankfully, conditions and stabilised and improved
Firefighting crews remain on site at Slievenamon following overnight monitoring operations.
While conditions have stabilised and improved this morning after extensive ground and aerial firefighting efforts, fire services continue to monitor the area closely.
Some fire activity is expected to increase as temperatures rise during the day, and firefighting operations, including aerial support, will continue.
Members of the public are urged to continue avoiding the affected area and to refrain from all non-essential travel in the vicinity.
Public access can impede emergency operations and create unnecessary risks for both responders and the public. The use of drones in the area is strictly prohibited, as they pose a significant hazard to aerial firefighting aircraft and can disrupt emergency response activities.
At present, there is no immediate threat to life.
Residents in the wider area, particularly those downwind of the fire, are advised to keep windows and doors closed where smoke is present.
Vulnerable groups, including children, older people, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or heart conditions, should take additional precautions to minimise exposure to smoke.
Farmers and animal owners are encouraged to monitor livestock and, where possible, move animals away from smoke-affected areas.
The public is urged not to rely on unofficial reports or speculation regarding the incident.
The public is also requested to avoid the River Anner at Thorney Bridge and any other locations being used by emergency services to source water for ongoing firefighting operations.
Fire services would like to thank local residents, landowners, farmers, support agencies and the wider public for their continued cooperation, which remains vital to ensuring a safe and effective response to this ongoing incident.