Public urged to avoid areas of Co Wicklow due to reignition of wildfire
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A wildfire has reignited in the Glencree area of Co Wicklow, prompting authorities to urge the public to stay away.
- Firefighters and personnel from multiple agencies are working to control the developing blaze, which has caused significant smoke drift.
- Emergency services have also managed a wildfire in south Kilkenny, with ongoing efforts to monitor and extinguish remaining hotspots in the Wicklow Mountains.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the Glencree area in Co Wicklow due to a developing wildfire that has reignited. Firefighters and personnel from various agencies are actively engaged in operations along Military Road, which remains closed. The situation has led to widespread smoke drift, with the local fire service advising residents to keep windows and doors closed and remain indoors.
While firefighters have stated the blaze at Glencree is under control, it has not yet been extinguished. The fire front is moving slowly southward, and crews, supported by a helicopter, continue their efforts. This incident follows a 10-day emergency fire response by National Parks and Wildlife Service staff in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Only for the community last night, Iโd believe that the fire could have spread over the whole hill. They are a fantastic help to the fire brigade and the gardaรญ as well.
Elsewhere, emergency services successfully brought a wildfire on Tory Hill in south Kilkenny under control on Friday night. Firefighters, farmers, and residents collaborated through the night to contain the blaze. Local Fianna Fรกil councillor Jenny Catt Slattery praised the community's swift response, stating, "Only for the community last night, Iโd believe that the fire could have spread over the whole hill. They are a fantastic help to the fire brigade and the gardaรญ as well."
There is growing optimism regarding a wildfire on Slievenamon mountain in Co Tipperary, which is in its sixth day. Tipperary County Council reported a significant reduction in fire activity on the southern side, though several hotspots are still being monitored. Specialist equipment has been deployed to aid firefighting efforts in the challenging terrain, with the focus shifting to the northeastern side of the mountain.
As the response moves into a more intensive ground-based firefighting phase, additional specialist equipment has been deployed to support operations in challenging terrain and assist with containment and extinguishment efforts.
Originally published by Irish Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.