As the Slievenamon fire continues to pose a threat, Tipperary County Council and emergency services are urgently appealing to the public to cease flying drones near the area.

Drone activity is currently restricting aerial firefighting operations, hindering the effectiveness of the emergency response.

Aerial firefighting resources are essential in fighting the fire and targeting active fire locations on the mountain.

Drone Footage at Slievenamon

However, firefighting aircraft are unable to operate when unauthorised drones are present in the airspace due to safety requirements. 

The public is being asked to avoid the area and immediately stop all drone activity while emergency operations are ongoing.

Cooperation from the public is crucial to supporting the efforts of emergency services, Coillte personnel, and partner agencies in containing and extinguishing the fire.

“If you fly, we can’t. Drones in the vicinity of the fire are preventing aerial firefighting aircraft from operating. We urgently ask the public to keep the airspace clear and stay away from the area while emergency services continue to tackle the fire,” stated a representative from Tipperary County Council.

For further information, please contact Tipperary County Council at 0818 06 5000 or customerservices@tipperarycoco.ie.