Wildfire 'successfully contained' on majority of the area affected on Slievenamon
Tipperary Fire Service says smoke flare-ups in recent hours are due to changing and swirling wind conditions and water dampening and suppression operations
Tipperary Fire & Rescue Service says the wildfire on the majority of the affected area on Slievenamon has been successfully contained, with response efforts now focused on a small number of remaining hot spots
In an update issued shortly after 6pm, the Fire Service said emergency services remain on site and continue to assess and deal with all reports of increased smoke activity.
It explained that many of the smoke flare-ups reported in recent hours are associated with changing and swirling wind conditions, together with the ongoing water dampening and suppression operations being undertaken across the mountain.
“All reported incidents are being responded to as required.
“The public can be reassured that there is currently no risk to lives or property arising from the incident.
“Emergency services will maintain a presence in the area and will continue to monitor conditions closely until all remaining hot spots have been fully extinguished.”
The Fire Service reiterated its advice to the public to avoid the affected area unless travel is essential, keep windows and doors closed where smoke is present, check on vulnerable persons, including older people, young children and those with respiratory conditions, and exercise additional caution when travelling as smoke may reduce visibility on local roads.
Earlier this afternoon, the Fire Service reported a significant smoke flare-up in the Kilcash area of Slievenamon arising from the wildfires and advised residents and farmers in the vicinity to be mindful of the increased levels of smoke and changing conditions in the area.
It advised farmers, where possible, to bring livestock and other animals indoors or move them to areas less likely to be affected by smoke. And it advised members of the public to avoid smoke affected areas unless essential, keep windows and doors closed where smoke is present and monitor vulnerable persons, including older people, young children and those with respiratory conditions.
The Fire Service also advised motorists that smoke from the wildfire may reduce visibility on local roads.
It said health advice relating to smoke and air quality is available from the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre at: https://www.hpsc.ie/az/environmentandhealth/airquality/wildfires/.
Current air quality information is available at: https://www.airquality.ie