40 firefighters are currently in attendance at a large gorse fire in Mynydd Cilgwyn, Carmel near Caernarfon.

Appliances from Caernarfon, Llanberis, Menai Bridge, Conwy, Llandudno and Porthmadog have been called including off-road vehicles from Porthmadog, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Abergele and Llanrwst. An Incident Command Unit from Rhyl has also been sent to the scene.

North Wales Police and local authority staff have evacuated approximately 15 nearby properties as the fire is reported to be a mile-long. Four people are currently in the rest centre with colleagues from Gwynedd Council. Other residents have made their way to family and friends for the night.

NPAS (National Police Air Service) are also en route to assist firefighters with an aerial view of the scene.

Stuart Millington, Senior Operations Manager, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are advising nearby residents to keep their windows and doors closed and to stay safe.

“Although the cause of this fire is unknown, we are urging everybody to take extra care when they are out and about in grass and gorse land to help reduce the risk of fire – especially during the current spell of hot and dry weather.

“During drier periods, fires involving grass, bracken and heather can develop very quickly, particularly in raised winds, resulting in fires getting out of control and spreading to neighbouring properties or forestry.

“If you are out, make sure that any smoking materials are discarded and extinguished properly. If you are out camping, again make sure that campfires or barbeques are fully extinguished.

He added: “We are liaising with colleagues from North Wales Police and Gwynedd County Council and once the fire is under control we will begin a full investigation to discover the cause of the fire.”