Waterford Fire Service has been dealing with a gorse fire in the Mahon Falls area of the Comeragh Mountains.

The fire was first reported yesterday at around 3pm, and crews from Dungarvan, Kilmacthomas and Portlaw attended the scene.

A spokesperson for Waterford City and County Council said while a large area has been burned, firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading into nearby forestry.

They said: “No buildings are currently at risk and no injuries have been reported.

“Access roads in the vicinity are narrow, and members of the public are asked to avoid the area to ensure that ongoing fire service operations are not obstructed,” the spokesperson added.

The cause of the fire on the Comeragh Mountains is not yet known.

Fire
Fire crews at the Comeragh Mountains

Smoke over a dark scene of the Comeragh Mountains
A line of fire with rising smoke abover the Comeragh Mountains

A mountain blaze at night time
Images show the scene at the weekend

The council spokesperson also said a status orange Fire Danger Notice remains in place and that the public is urged to exercise particular caution in all outdoor amenity areas.

They said: “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.

“Anyone who notices a fire should report it immediately by calling 999 or 112,” the spokesperson added.

Separately, crews from Waterford city and Kilkenny Fire Service battled for over 17 hours to fight and contain a substantial wildland fire on Tory Hill in south Kilkenny over the weekend.

Smoke and flames could be seen from Waterford city on Friday night into Saturday morning as crews made their way to the affected area.

The crews with the help of local farmers gained access to the base of the hill from a field and were safely able to attack and contain the fire.

Meanwhile, a wildfire at Slievenamon in Co Tipperary remains stable with “no significant change”, according to Tipperary County Council.

“Emergency services and response agencies remain actively engaged on site, with the overall situation remaining stable,” the council said in a statement.

“Crews continue to monitor and address a small number of isolated hot spots as part of the ongoing response operation.

The council added that there remains no risk to lives or property.