A MOUNTAIN BLAZE in Co Tipperary has spread and the public has been urged to stay away from the area.

It is understood the fire on Slievenamon, outside Clonmel, was first reported to the emergency services around 8.45am on Monday 20 July.

Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service maintained a presence in the area throughout the night to monitor the situation and respond as necessary.

In a statement this afternoon, Tipperary County Council said that due to a change in wind direction, the wildfire at Slievenamon has now spread to the adjacent Coillte forest.

Helicopter drops water on a wildfire that is burning across Slievenamon in Co Tipperary toda RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

Fire and rescue services are now concentrating their efforts on this area in order to contain the fire and to prevent any further spread.

Currently, the Council says there is “no immediate risk to life or property”.

It added that the situation is being continuously monitored and that ground crews are remaining on site, with aerial support deployed when conditions allow.

Residents downwind of the fire have been advised to keep windows and doors closed and vulnerable groups, including older people and those with respiratory conditions, have been urged to take extra care.

Wildfire burning across Slievenamon has split into separate fires RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

The public meanwhile has been urged to stay away, to avoid non-essential travel to the area, and to refrain from operating drones, as this can interfere with the emergency response and aerial firefighting operations.

The Council added that the cooperation of the public is “greatly appreciated and remains essential to ensuring the safety of emergency personnel and the effectiveness of firefighting operations”.