Fire service makes plea over controlled burning of land in North Wales

Landowners who are planning to undertake controlled burning in North Wales are being urged to consider whether it’s necessary before doing so.

It comes as firefighters are currently dealing with a number of blazes in the countryside across the region.

It includes grass and gorse fires in Y Fron, Llanbedr and Rhiw in Gwynedd and a fire in the open in Wrexham.

A large fire has been ongoing in on Mynydd Mawr, Y Fron since yesterday, with several crews still in attendance and a helicopter called in to douse the flames.

While some of the fires are believed to have started accidentally as a result of controlled burning, others are thought to have been started deliberately.

A senior firefighter is now calling on people to work together to help protect communities.

Paul Scott, area manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “There are a lot of controlled burns going on and these are still permitted in the uplands and in the higher areas.

“It’s very dry, so I’d ask do you need to burn? If you really do, please do contact us through our control room on 01931 522006 to inform us because that helps us prioritise where our resources go.

“Also, some of these fires are set deliberately and if you are aware of any such activity you can report on Crimestoppers.

“I’m at pains to thank our staff as they’ve worked incredibly hard over the last 24 or 48 hours.

“This isn’t just our firefighting staff – this is our control room staff and they’ve all been fantastic.

“They’ve been working long hours in difficult conditions, so all credit to them.

“My last message is to help us and work with us through this period.

“We can all keep North Wales safe and look after our beautiful countryside that we have here in North Wales.”