Tipperary County Council has reported that “good progress has been achieved through the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies” in fighting the fire at Slievenamon.

The county council said today (Friday, July 24) that fire activity on the south face of the mountain has reduced substantially but remains under active management.

The council said that the principal area of concern today is the north-eastern section of the mountain following an overnight wind shift.

It added: “Smoke may be more noticeable on the eastern side of Slievenamon during the day.

Tipperary County Council added that response agencies continue to make “significant progress” in tackling the wildfire on the mountain, with coordinated efforts by all involved yesterday “helping to maximise the effectiveness of firefighting operations”.

It said that yesterday, crews remained on site throughout the day, targeting the most active fire fronts and supporting containment measures across “challenging terrain”.

‘Marked reduction’

The county council said: “This morning, conditions on the mountain show a marked reduction in fire activity on the southern face of Slievenamon."

Residents on the eastern side of the mountain are advised that they may experience higher levels of smoke at times today compared to recent days due to the changing wind conditions and firefighting activity in the area.

Members of the public are asked to exercise caution, particularly those with respiratory conditions, and to follow any advice issued by emergency services.

The county council said that all response agencies remain fully engaged and continue to monitor conditions closely.

Tipperary County Council Fire and Rescue Services thanked local residents, landowners, farmers, support agencies for their continued cooperation and support as operations continue.

Farmers

Yesterday (Thursday, July 23), media personality Rozanna Purcell said that the local community around Slievenamon "would have been lost" without the help of farmers, who spent the previous night battling the wildfire that has swept the mountain.

The model turned broadcaster and author, whose family home is located at the bottom of Slievenamon, took to social media on Thursday (July 23) to thank the local farming community.

Several farmers brought slurry tanks full of water up the mountain to combat the fire.

Reflecting on their contribution, Purcell said: "Without the farmers, we would have been absolutely lost.

On Wednesday (July 22), Coillte confirmed that wildfire at Slievenamon had spread into the adjacent Coillte forest following a change in wind direction.

The fire was initially confirmed on Monday (July 20).