Media personality Rozanna Purcell has said that the local community around Slievenamon in Co. Tipperary "would have been lost" without the help of farmers, who spent last 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 today (Thursday, July 23) to thank the local farming community.

Several farmers brought slurry tanks full of water up the mountain during the day until 3:00a.m last night.

She stated that "the farmers managed to settle the flames during the night", with many of them still offering help this afternoon as winds start to reignite the fires.

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

"They have all come together to help and hopefully after this we can repay them for their fuel and their time."

She outlined that many sheep farmers who keep their flock on Slievenamon had to evacuate their livestock to a safer location amidst the chaos yesterday.

Purcell also noted that all roads up to Slievenamon remain closed to everyone except those who live there, with the public encouraged to stay away in order to keep roads clear for emergency services.

Alongside the farmers, fire and rescue services - including helicopters - have been dealing with the wildfire since it broke out on Monday (July 20).

Coillte

Meanwhile, it was confirmed yesterday that the wildfire in Slievenamon had spread to the adjacent Coillte forest following a change in wind direction.

Coillte said: "We understand that the fire originated on open mountain ground before spreading into the nearby Coillte forest.

"Coillte personnel remain on site alongside Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service crews from, Cahir, Cashel and Carrick-on-Suir and are working to bring the fire under control.

"They are being supported on site by two helicopters."

Coillte added that it is too early to determine the full extent of the damage caused or the source of ignition.