Firefighters in North Wales ‘put at risk’ after receiving 25 calls to fires in the open in one day

Firefighters in North Wales are being put at risk it’s been warned after receiving 25 calls to fires in the open in 24 hours.

One of the most recent incidents saw crews called out to a hillside forest fire near Llanfachreth, Gwynedd last night.

Firefighters remain at the scene today damping down with changeovers to provide relief.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it attended 13 out of the 25 calls and has now urged people not to put its staff in danger.

A spokesperson said: “Please think about the consequences of such fires – now is not the time to be burning or starting fires in the open as they can quickly spread out of control, especially in dry weather.

“These fires not only put our firefighters at risk unnecessarily but the smoke from such grass fires can cause breathing problems and worsen conditions such as asthma, at a time when the health of our communities is already of heightened concern.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic it is imperative to adhere to advice on isolation and social distancing.”