Fire services working to contain Slievenamon wildfire

Fire services are working to contain a wildfire on Slievenamon in County Tipperary, according to local authorities. The incident occurred on Monday, 20 July 2026, with crews responding to the blaze shortly after 8:30 am. A unit from Clonmel was dispatched to the Ballypatrick side of the mountain, while another team from Carrick-on-Suir joined the operation. Firefighters are seeking air support to aid their efforts, as plumes of smoke are visible in the area. The Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the operation is ongoing, emphasizing the challenges posed by the rugged terrain. Emergency responders are prioritizing containment and extinguishing the fire, ensuring public safety, and assessing risks to nearby lands and properties. Aerial assistance has been requested to better understand the fire’s spread and evaluate potential impacts on adjacent forestry areas. The service cautioned that it is premature to discuss the cause of the fire or the full scope of the response, stating these details will emerge as more information becomes available. Residents near the area are advised to stay clear of the zone and heed instructions from emergency personnel. The fire comes amid a wave of wildfires across Ireland due to recent dry weather. Firefighters have been engaged in several incidents, including a blaze at Killarney National Park reported earlier in the week and another near Milltownpass in County Westmeath, which temporarily closed a stretch of the M6 motorway. Coillte, a semi-state forestry company, stated that its personnel, alongside Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service teams and an Air Corps helicopter, are actively working to bring the fire under control. They reiterated that determining the cause is still too early and that staff and emergency crews will remain on-site until the fire is fully extinguished. Coillte issued a warning urging the public to remain cautious, especially given the national Status Orange High Forest Fire Risk Warning in effect until 12 pm on Friday, 24 July. Visitors are reminded to exercise care in areas with open access and to report any suspicious fire activity to the police. The company emphasized cooperation with fire safety measures, advising against using barbecues or other outdoor fire sources in forested regions during the warning period. It also encouraged responsible vehicle parking to ensure emergency vehicles can navigate freely. Public attention has also turned to a separate wildfire in the Dublin Mountains, where firefighters from the Dublin and Wicklow brigades are tackling a large fire on Glassamucky Mountain. This location lies on the border between Dublin and Wicklow, west of Glencree. A helicopter is supporting aerial firefighting efforts, and staff from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Coillte are also present. The Military Road has been closed to traffic, and the public is warned against operating drones in the vicinity. Wicklow County Council has called for continued vigilance, advising residents to avoid the affected area. Both incidents highlight the heightened risk of wildfires during periods of prolonged dry weather. Authorities are reinforcing messages about fire prevention, urging individuals to avoid lighting fires in forested or open areas and to promptly report any signs of combustion. Emergency services continue to emphasize the importance of public compliance with safety protocols to prevent further incidents and ensure rapid response capabilities. As conditions remain volatile, ongoing monitoring and coordination among agencies will be crucial in managing the situation effectively.