Firefighting helicopter arrives at Rhinogydd wildfire as Flintshire sites monitored
A specialist firefighting helicopter has arrived at the Rhinogydd wildfire, which has been burning for more than a week in the mountains near Harlech.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is directing the aircraft to the areas where it can have the greatest impact on the fire near Llyn Cwm Bychan, which is also affecting the Trawsfynydd side of the mountain.
In Flintshire, the fire service is monitoring Hope Mountain and Pentre Halkyn as a precaution, along with Mount Pleasant at Brymbo, the mountain above Capelulo near Sychnant Pass, and Pentrefelin in Holyhead.
Crews are also tackling a separate wildfire on Bangor Mountain, which started on Thursday evening.
On the ground at the Rhinogydd, firefighters have been working alongside Natural Resources Wales staff and contractors for more than a week, creating firebreaks to slow the spread of the fire.
The fire service said resources may remain at the site for the next couple of days to monitor conditions and respond quickly to any flare-ups.
Crews from Mid and West Wales and South Wales fire services have supported the response.
The helicopter was provided through a national framework arrangement, with supplier Airbourne Solutions saying it was the first of three framework suppliers to become available.
On Wednesday, Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Siân Gwenllian said no airborne firefighting capability had been available for deployment anywhere in the UK to support the efforts.
She said: “Our firefighters are highly trained to tackle wildfires and crews are currently managing the fires on the ground by using natural firebreaks, creating new firebreaks, and dampening down hotspots.
“While no airborne firefighting capability is currently available for deployment anywhere in the UK to support these efforts, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service made a formal request for mutual aid in the form of staff and fire appliances, and I am pleased that this has been agreed and that those resources are now on the ground supporting crews.”
Welsh Labour’s spokesperson for communities, Jayne Bryant MS, has called for the Senedd to be recalled over the wildfires.
She said: “I am deeply concerned about the wildfires across Wales. There is an urgent need for the Senedd to meet in order for the government to provide an update about the response and give Members’ the opportunity to represent their constituents’ views.
“The lack of aerial support is of great concern.
“My thoughts remain with everyone affected by the fires and I would like to thank the fire and rescue teams across Wales, who have been working tirelessly in very difficult circumstances.”
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police are urging people to stay away from affected areas, warning that those travelling to take photographs and videos are putting themselves at risk and hindering firefighting operations.
Public Health Wales advises anyone affected by smoke to stay indoors where possible and keep windows and doors closed.
With dry conditions forecast to continue, the fire service is asking people to avoid disposable barbecues, fully extinguish cigarettes, take litter home and never leave glass bottles in the countryside.
Anyone who sees signs of fire should move to a safe location and call 999 immediately.
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