Crews continue to manage flare-ups on Slievenamon

Fire crews are actively managing and monitoring flare-ups on Slievenamon in County Tipperary, where a wildfire has been burning for 10 days. A Status Orange high forest fire risk warning has been extended nationwide until midday next Tuesday, reflecting the persistent dry and hot conditions.

Carol Kennedy, Acting Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service, explained that reignitions are not unusual due to high temperatures on the already burnt ground. "It was a lot cooler on the ground here today but then the clouds broke because of the recent fires and at the moment it doesn't take a lot to burn what’s on the ground," she said.

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It was a lot cooler on the ground here today but then the clouds broke because of the recent fires and at the moment it doesn't take a lot to burn what’s on the ground

The wildfire, now in its second week, is expected to persist until substantial rainfall arrives. Kennedy noted that recent rainfall has helped contain the fire but was insufficient. "We’re expecting around ten millimetres of rainfall between now and Monday which isn’t a significant amount," she stated, adding that she is in contact with Met Éireann for precise forecasts.

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We’re expecting around ten millimetres of rainfall between now and Monday which isn’t a significant amount.

Despite isolated flare-ups, Kennedy confirmed that the overall scale and intensity of the fire have significantly decreased. "There is no threat to life or property. Our main priority is to push the fire lines back and prevent them from crossing the firebreaks," she said. She anticipates the situation will not worsen if the fire can be kept away from forestry areas.

Emergency services are continuing to deploy resources and respond to any hotspots that appear. Tipperary County Council described the overall situation on Slievenamon as "stable," with ongoing efforts to manage and monitor the affected area. The fire is expected to continue until significant rainfall occurs.

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There is no threat to life or property. Our main priority is to push the fire lines back and prevent them from crossing the firebreaks.