A hillside fire in the Comeragh Mountains “remains active” today (Friday July 31), Waterford City and County Council has confirmed.

It added: “The situation was monitored overnight, and fire crews are again on scene today.

According to the council, the fire is likely to continue burning over the weekend.

However, it added that there is currently no risk to homes or other buildings.

“Weather conditions, including wind direction, are being closely monitored, as they may affect the movement of smoke in the surrounding area,” the council said.

Members of the public are asked to avoid the Kilcloone and Coumshingaun area and not to undertake the Coumshingaun Loop Walk while operations continue.

The council issued a public notice yesterday (Thursday, July 30), stating that the hillside fire was active adjacent to the Coumshingaun Loop Walk.

It also warned of “significant amount of smoke in the Kilclooney area”.  

Fire warning

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has extended a 'Condition Orange' high fire risk warning to next Tuesday (August 4).

The warning was put into place on Wednesday (July 29).

The department has urged the public to "be prepared, be vigilant and to stamp out forest fires".

DAFM has highlighted that because of current weather patterns, a high fire risk exists in all areas where flammable vegetation such as dead grasses and heather and gorse exist

"Wildfires can have catastrophic impacts on upland habitats and rural communities, putting homes, property and lives at risk and diverting emergency services from their main tasks," it outlined.

According to DAFM, gorse will burn readily in all seasons and although fires occur throughout the year, the risk is greatest during dry spells.

It said: "The risk increases with decreasing humidity and increasing wind speed.

"Most people significantly underestimate the intense flammability of vegetation and the speed at which a relatively small fire can become out of control."