NRW urges Bank Holiday visitors to north Wales hills to follow wildfire advice
People heading to the Clwydian Range, Loggerheads, Halkyn Mountain and other Flintshire beauty spots this Bank Holiday weekend are being asked to follow wildfire safety advice as Wales enters an elevated-risk period.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) issued the warning on 30 April after a spell of warm and dry weather across the country.
NRW said two large wildfires were already being tackled elsewhere in Wales.
A fire-fighting helicopter was deployed on 29 April to carry out targeted water drops on a wildfire in the Elan Valley at Cwmystwyth.
Teams have also been assisting South Wales Fire and Rescue Service at a large wildfire at Waun Wen near Merthyr Tydfil.
NRW said dry conditions were forecast to continue over the coming days.
Richard Preece, NRW Duty Tactical Manager, said: “Wales’ landscapes are incredibly special, but they are also vulnerable.
“It only takes one careless act for a fire to start and quickly get out of control.
“We’re asking everyone visiting the outdoors this Bank Holiday to think about the consequences of their actions and help us protect our wildlife, our water and our communities.”
Carl Williams, Arson Reduction Manager for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Wildfires not only divert crews from responding to other emergencies but also expose firefighters to significant risk.
“These incidents often demand large numbers of personnel, including On-Call staff who must leave their primary employment to attend incidents and remain deployed for extended periods, placing considerable strain on personnel and resources.
“Unlike building fires, wildfires can burn across vast rural landscapes, threatening nearby homes, farms, livestock, power supplies and key transport routes.
“Smoke from these fires can also cause road hazards and serious health impacts, particularly for vulnerable people.”
Rhydian Slade-Jones, Landowner Engagement Officer for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We work closely with Natural Resources Wales, local farmers and landowners throughout the year to identify high risk areas and put preventative measures in place, but we can’t do it alone.
“Most wildfires in Wales are caused by human activity, so we’re asking everyone to act responsibly.”
NRW said most wildfires in Wales were started deliberately and were classed as arson.
Others were caused by carelessness, often through the inappropriate use of barbecues or open flames in the countryside.
NRW is asking the public to follow these steps:
- never light fires in the countryside
- only use disposable barbecues where signs say you can, never leave them unattended, and ensure they are fully put out before leaving
- take all litter home, especially glass bottles
- avoid discarding cigarettes or matches
- report any signs of fire or suspicious activity immediately by calling 999
The advice is being shared under the multi-agency Wales Wildfire Board’s #WildfireWise campaign.
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