Firebreaks 'effective in protecting forestry' from Slievenamon blaze
Firefighting crews remain on site at Slievenamon in Co. Tipperary today (July 21) following overnight operations to tackle a fire close to a forestry plantation.
Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service confirmed yesterday a fire incident in the Slievenamon area of south Co. Tipperary, leading them to assess the risks to surrounding forestry and land.
Tipperary Co. Council said today that conditions improved “significantly” overnight.
It said: “A drone survey conducted by Coillte personnel early this morning confirmed that the adjacent forestry area does not appear to be affected by fire.
“The firebreaks that were previously established have proven effective in protecting the forestry plantation.
“Coillte staff will continue to monitor the area throughout the day.”
The county council said that an inspection of the mountain this morning initially suggested that the fire was largely under control.
However, it said that as fog began to clear after 7:30a.m, areas of active combustion became visible on Slievenamon Bog near the summit, and efforts are now focused on “suppressing these remaining hotspots”.
Aerial support
Tipperary Co. Council said: “Aerial fire-fighting support has been requested.
“Water will be drawn from an identified local source to support these operations.
“Today's response will concentrate on containing and extinguishing the remaining fire activity on the bog.”
Ground and aerial resources will continue to assess conditions as visibility improves.
Current weather conditions have been described as “favourable” by the county council, with wind direction assisting firefighting efforts and temperatures expected to remain moderate through the morning, providing a “valuable operational window” for crews.
Tipperary Co. Council also urged the public to immediately cease operating drones in the vicinity of the fire.
It said: “The presence of privately operated drones is creating a significant air safety risk and is restricting access for aerial firefighting aircraft supporting operations on the mountain.”
The county council added that every interruption to aerial operations reduces the effectiveness of the firefighting response.
Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service reminded 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.”
