Overview
- The fire was first reported on the Ballypatrick side of Slievenamon on Monday and crews from Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir moved to contain flames that began in gorse and spread into an oak plantation.
- Favourable overnight conditions and a fog early Tuesday briefly subdued the blaze but flames increased again on Tuesday morning, prompting renewed monitoring and action.
- Fire crews were withdrawn from the mountain overnight for safety before returning with units from Clonmel, Cahir and Carrick-on-Suir and Coillte staff to prioritise protection of life and property.
- Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service has requested aerial support and an Air Corps helicopter is expected to assist with mapping and directing suppression efforts from the air.
- Officials say the precise cause may never be determined because of the damage and they have urged the public to avoid the area, keep windows and doors closed, check on people with respiratory problems, and not light fires during the dry spell that is raising nationwide wildfire risk.