Crews remain at Hope Mountain and Pentre Halkyn wildfires as national mutual aid drafted in
Fire crews remain at wildfires on Hope Mountain and at Pentre Halkyn as the scale of fires burning across North Wales prompts a request for national help.
The two Flintshire-area fires are among six the fire service was still attending at 4pm on Tuesday.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the number and scale of the fires led it to make a formal request through UK National Resilience for mutual aid.
Crews and fire engines from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have been secured and are now on site.
The six locations listed in the 4pm update are:
Hope Mountain
Pentre Halkyn
Mount Pleasant, Brymbo
Pentrefelin, Holyhead
The mountain above Capelulo near Sychnant Pass
The Rhinogydd mountains near Cwm Bychan Lake close to Harlech, with fire also affecting the Trawsfynydd side of the mountain.
People are asked to avoid the affected areas so crews can work safely and operational vehicles can get through.
The fire service said Met Office reports suggest changing wind directions, and smoke from wildfires beyond the region, may also be affecting communities in North Wales.
Anyone affected by smoke is advised to shelter indoors and keep windows and doors closed, then ventilate their home once the smoke has cleared.
Smoke could be affecting the A470 in the Bron Aber and Coed y Brenin area, and drivers are asked to take care.
Mark Jat, Service Delivery Manager and Chair of the Tactical Coordination Group, said: “We’re closely managing all the incidents, and I want to reassure residents and those visiting the area that crews remain onsite at the incidents listed above.”
He said: “Looking forward to this evening and tomorrow, I’d like to remind residents that due to changes in wind direction throughout the day, smoke may continue to affect areas that have not previously been impacted. As temperatures drop, especially overnight and during the early morning, smoke can settle into lower-lying areas and become more noticeable. This is expected and does not necessarily indicate that the fire has worsened.”
The fire service asked people not to light open fires, carry out controlled burning or use disposable barbecues, and to dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials safely.
Anyone who sees a fire should call 999.
North Wales Police said it is supporting fire service colleagues and asked people to follow any road closures and emergency service instructions.
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