North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to be extra careful and to stop and think about the consequences of grass fires following a spate of fires in North Wales over the last 12 hours which continue to tie up valuable resources and threaten the safety of nearby properties.

Around 30 properties have been prepared for evacuation in Braichmelyn near Bethesda due to a large forestry fire in the vicinity. A rest centre was opened and residents have been advised to keep all windows and doors closed to stay safe and colleagues from North Wales Police are also assisting. Six fire appliances and two off road vehicles are currently at the scene, including an incident command unit.

Firefighters also remain at a gorse fire in Carmel near Caernarfon. Crews were called to Mynydd Cilgwyn yesterday around 6pm and at its height last night over 40 firefighters were tackling the incident. North Wales Police and local authority staff prepared approximately 15 nearby properties for evacuation as the fire is reported to be a mile-long. The incident was brought under control and kept under close surveillance but has since gathered pace this morning with three appliances and an off road vehicle currently at the scene.  

Firefighters also dealt with a fire at Bangor Mountain yesterday, with crews called to the scene at 1600hrs. Four appliances attended and with this fire now under control it will continue to be kept under close observation.

Kevin Roberts, Senior Fire Safety Manager, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said:

“It’s too early to determine the exact cause of these fires but we are urging everybody to take extra care when they are out and about in the countryside to help reduce the risk of fire – especially during this exceptionally hot and dry weather.

“In these dry conditions, fires involving grass, bracken and heather can develop extremely quickly, especially in raised winds, and fires can soon get out of control and spread to neighbouring properties or forestry, with the need for us then to attend to extinghuish them.

“So if you are out, it is more important than ever in these conditions to 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. Better still, avoid open fires altogether in this dry period.

“We have received numerous notifications in relation to these fires and I would like to thank people for acting in a safe and responsible manner.

“We’d also ask people to keep well away from the areas affected to allow firefighters to tackle the fires and for their own safety.

“These fires place tremendous pressure on our resources, with firefighters tied up for a considerable length of time working to bring them under control. Quite often they also happen in areas where access is extremely difficult and water supply is limited.

“Remember - setting fires is a criminal offence and we are actively working alongside North Wales Police to combat deliberate incidents – those found to be responsible will be prosecuted.

“Anyone with information on such crimes is advised to anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”