Wildfire spreads to Coillte forest from Slievenamon

Firefighters in County Tipperary are continuing a multi-day battle against a large wildfire on Slievenamon, which spread into an adjacent Coillte forest on Wednesday, July 22, due to a change in wind direction. The fire, which ignited on Monday, July 20, has prompted a major emergency response but currently poses no immediate risk to life or property.

Ground crews from Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service, supported by personnel from Coillte, the Defence Forces, Civil Defence, and local volunteers, have been working to contain the blaze since it was first reported. Operations have involved both ground teams and, where visibility and safety conditions allow, aerial firefighting support from the Irish Air Corps. The response has focused on protecting forestry, neighbouring lands, and ensuring public safety.

Officials reported that conditions improved overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, with a layer of fog helping to slow the fire's progress. However, the situation remained dynamic. Acting Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer Carol Kennedy explained that while the fog had subdued the flames early Tuesday, the fire had reignited later that morning, necessitating a renewed request for...