Fire crews assessing risk to forestry lands from ongoing Tipperary fire
Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed a fire incident in the Slievenamon area of south Tipperary, leading them to assess the risks to surrounding forestry and land.
The incident was confirmed today (Monday, July 20) and remains ongoing.
Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service have said that crews are continuing to work at the scene in “challenging terrain conditions”.
It added: “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.”
As the incident is ongoing, Tipperary Fire and Rescue said that it would be “premature” to comment on the cause of the fire, the extent of any damage, or the full scale of the response operation.
It added: “These matters will be assessed as the situation develops and verified information becomes available.”
Smoke
The fire and rescue service confirmed that members of the public may notice smoke visible some distance from the affected area.
It added: “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 also takes this opportunity to remind 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.”
Tipperary County Council said it is liaising closely with all relevant agencies involved in the response and will provide further updates as additional verified information becomes available.
Fire incidents
This summer has been busy for emergency services amid the recent warm weather..
Most recently, over the weekend, Dublin Fire Brigade were called upon to tackle a hay bale fire in south Co. Dublin.
On social media yesterday (July 19), Dublin Fire Brigade said: “Smoke may be visible on the N4, close to the Hermitage Golf Course, as firefighters from Dolphins Barn and Tallaght attend hay bales on fire.”
