North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has issued a reminder to people to stop and think about the consequences of grass and forest fires following two fires in the Gwynedd  and Conwy area yesterday which tied up valuable resources for some considerable time.

Fire crews spent over six hours dealing with a forest and undergrowth fire at Brynrefail near Caernarfon yesterday, Monday 3 June.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service received a call at 14.55 hours reporting the fire which covered a five acre area before it was extinguished by firefighters using beaters. The attending crews fought hard against strong winds to prevent the fire spreading to a close by seven acre forestry plantation. Crews from Llanberis, Caernafon,Bangorand Conwy attended the incident, which was thought to be caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette.

Meanwhile, fire crews from Abergele and Denbigh were sent to tackle a gorse fire near  GwrychCastle,Llanddulas Road, at 19.18. This fire is believed to have been started as the result of a camp fire being left unattended by local youths.

Gwyn Jonesof North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fires like this place tremendous pressure on resources, with firefighters tied up for a considerable length of time trying to bring them under control. These fires can also place lives and homes at risk , blight the countryside and waste large amounts of money.

"We are urging visitors to the countryside and locals enjoying the good weather to take extra care when they are out and about and reduce the risk of fire.

"Remember - setting fires is a criminal offence and we are actively working alongside North Wales Police to combat deliberate incidents, employing the police helicopter to pinpoint the fires and to look out for perpetrators.

"Anyone with information on such crimes is advised to anonymously callCrimestopperson0800 555 111. "