It is “too early” to assess the damage to a forest in Co Tipperary following a major wildfire burning on Slievenamon, a Coillte official has said.
The fire spread yesterday to a forestry plantation on the mountain and fire and rescue services are focusing their efforts on that area to stop the blaze spreading further.
Pat Neville, Communications Manager at Coillte, said that last night, the fire “progressed significantly through the forest … despite the best efforts of crews on the ground and supported by a helicopter”.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said that “efforts will again be under way this morning to contain the spread”.
He said the “immediate focus” alongside Tipperary fire service and emergency responders is to contain the fire “as quickly and as safely as possible”.
“Our crews, our staff and contractors remain deployed on site this morning,” Mr Neville said.
He said it was “too early” to assess the damage to the forest and added that the focus is on “containing” the fire.
Mr Neville said that with any active wildfire “the situation can change quickly” and crews on the ground “supported by a helicopter are going to be working very hard to bring it under control”.
He said protection of public safety and property “remains the primary consideration for everyone involved in the response”.
“Tipperary fire service are continuing to assess the risk to nearby properties and communities and they will deploy resources accordingly.
“If there’s any immediate risk that requires public action, the relevant emergency authorities will communicate directly with the affected communities,” he said.