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LAST UPDATE
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\n 1 hr ago\n <\/p>\n
FIREFIGHTING EFFORTS TO combat a wildfire on the Co Tipperary mountain of Slievenamon continue this afternoon, with emergency services ramping up ground operations.<\/p>\n
The fire was first reported on Monday. It worsened on Wednesday when the flames spread to a Coillte forest, propelled by changing winds.<\/p>\n
Intensive efforts have been underway<\/a> to douse the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further. After an aerial operation, works on the ground are now intensifying.<\/p>\n In an update issued this morning, Tipperary County Council said fire activity on the south side of the mountain \u201chas reduced significantly\u201d in recent days.<\/p>\n However, a number of hotspots remain and these are being monitored by crews on the ground. Localised flare-ups became evident on Friday evening, the council added, and these are being dealt with as they arise.<\/p>\n \u201cAs operations move into a more intensive ground-based phase, additional specialist equipment has been deployed to support firefighters working in challenging terrain,\u201d the update stated.<\/p>\n Fire and rescue service crews are concentrating their efforts on the north-eastern side of the mountain, while maintaining surveillance across the wider area.<\/p>\n \u201cThe current wind direction remains unchanged and is forecast to remain in its present position in the short term. As a result, smoke may continue to affect areas on the eastern side of Slievenamon intermittently throughout the day.\u201d<\/p>\n Residents are asked to take precautions where necessary.\n<\/p>\n Gorse fire in Glencree valley<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Wicklow County Council has urged members of the public to stay away from the Glencree valley in Co Wicklow, where firefighters are trying to bring a \u201cdeveloping\u201d gorse fire under control.\u00a0<\/p>\n A helicopter arrived earlier to take a full survey of the situation.\u00a0<\/p>\n The public are asked to stay away from the Glencree area due to a developing fire in the area.<\/p>\n The Military Road is closed due to firefighting operations and the large quantities of smoke in the area.<\/p>\n Wicklow County Fire Service are advising people living in the area to keep\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/L2Uuj8wynb<\/a><\/p>\n