Fire crews are battling a gorse fire in the Comeragh Mountains today (Monday, July 27), as high fire risk warnings remain in place across the country.

According to Waterford City and County Council fire crews from Kilmacthomas, Portlaw and Dungarvan were initially despatched to tackle the wildfire yesterday (Sunday, July 26).

The council confirmed that "while a large area has been burned, firefighters have prevented the blaze from spreading into nearby forestry."

People in the area have been asked not to approach any fire and not to obstruct emergency vehicles and fire crews.

According to Waterford City and County Council over the weekend outdoor fires were dealt with by various brigades at Tory Hill, Dunhill, Carrick on Suir, Kilmanahan, Tramore, Clonmel, Butlerstown, Cappoquin, Carrigavantry, Woodstown and Gracedieu.

The council has also urged the public to exercise "particular caution" in all outdoor amenity areas and to avoid any activity that could result in a fire being started.

"Campfires, fire pits and barbecues should not be lit in these areas, and particular care should be taken when disposing of cigarettes or other smoking or combustible materials," it added.

Slievenamon wildfire

Separately "significant" progress has been made in containing the wildfire on Slievenamon, according to Tipperary County Council.

It detailed that emergency services and response agencies have successfully contained the majority of the affected mountain area, "with only a small number of hot spots remaining under active monitoring and suppression".

The council added that there is currently “no risk to lives or property arising from the incident”.

However it said that “emergency services will remain on site and continue to respond to any developments.”

The council has asked the public to continue to:

Avoid the affected area unless travel is essential;
Keep windows and doors closed where smoke is present;
Check on vulnerable neighbours, older people, young children and those with respiratory conditions;
Take extra care on local roads, where smoke may reduce visibility.

An Orange Fire Danger Notice issued on Friday (July 24) remains in place until Wednesday, July 29.

According to Met Éireann this week will bring mixed and changeable weather conditions across the country.

It has highlighted that "all areas are currently experiencing restriction to growth" - with near drought conditions across much of the southern half of the country.

Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) currently range from 26mm in the north to 90mm in the southeast.