Outdoor fire

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.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, Tipperary County Council said the overall situation remains stable in relation to the recent wildfire incidents on Slievenamon.The local authority said emergency services and response agencies remain "actively engaged" on the mountain in south Tipperary.However, a spokesperson said there has been no significant change in the status of the wildfire since yesterday and there remains no risk to life or property.The spokesperson said: "Crews continue to monitor and address a small number of isolated hot spots as part of the ongoing response operation."Emergency services are continuing to monitor smoke activity."In many instances, smoke flare-ups are occurring as a result of changing and swirling wind conditions, together with the ongoing water dampening and suppression activities being carried out on the mountain."The council spokesperson also said all reported incidents are being assessed and dealt with as required."Emergency services will continue to maintain a presence in the area, monitor conditions closely and respond to any developments as necessary," the spokesperson added.