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Amber Alert: Public urged to help prevent wildfires during UK heatwave

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WITH parts of the UK battling serious wildfires, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is warning people to take hot weather risks seriously and act responsibly to prevent further incidents.

Over the weekend, more than 100 firefighters tackled a major blaze on Dorset heathland, forcing the evacuation of 20 homes and destroying an area the size of several football pitches. Meanwhile, flames engulfed parts of Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat, a popular tourist spot, prompting renewed safety warnings.

Steve Cole, Director of Policy at RoSPA, said: “These fires are a stark reminder that the UK is not immune to the dangers of extreme heat. With temperatures soaring and vegetation drying out, the risk of wildfires increases dramatically – even in urban and coastal areas. Many of these fires are preventable. Simple actions like disposing of cigarettes properly and avoiding open flames can make a huge difference.”

RoSPA’s hot weather safety advice:

Avoid open flames: Do not light barbecues (especially disposable ones), campfires or grills in parks, woodlands or heathlands.

Dispose of cigarettes responsibly: Never discard cigarette ends on the ground, particularly in dry grassy areas.

Stay alert: Report smoke or fire immediately by calling 999.

Protect your property: Clear dry vegetation around your home and follow local fire safety guidance.

Cole added: “Climate change is contributing to longer, hotter summers and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. The recent fires underscore the need for greater public awareness and preparedness.”

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority has also faced recent blazes caused by human activity. In May, a carelessly discarded disposable barbecue sparked a wildfire at Glen Finglas, burning an area the size of two rugby pitches and killing nesting birds and other wildlife.

Leigh Hamilton, Ranger Service Manager at the Park Authority, said: “May’s wildfire is a stark reminder of the devastating impact a single reckless act can have on our National Park. We work with emergency services and local communities to protect this extraordinary landscape, but with more than 720 square miles to care for, we cannot be everywhere.

“This summer, as we face continued drier, more fire-prone conditions, we urge everyone to be vigilant and act responsibly. Avoid naked flames, dispose of waste properly, and call 999 immediately if you witness a wildfire. Everyone has a part to play – if you care about this landscape, help us protect it.”

For more information on heatwave safety and wildfire prevention, visit rospa.com, your local authority’s website, or follow updates from your local fire service.

Community

Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes

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MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.

The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.

A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.

The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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Community

3 Amigos toy bike run under way across Pembrokeshire

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Castle Inn fun runners back festive charity event

THE ANNUAL 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run is under way this afternoon (Saturday), with hundreds of motorcyclists setting off from Pembroke to raise funds for children’s services.

Riders gathered at The Commons car park in Pembroke from around midday before departing shortly after 1:00pm. The festive convoy is travelling along its traditional route, taking in Pembroke Dock and continuing through parts of the county including Neyland, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.

The event is organised by the 3 Amigos and Dollies Motorcycle Group and has become a much-anticipated Christmas tradition in west Wales, with toys and donations collected for children receiving care within the Hywel Dda University Health Board area.

Also supporting the event are fun runners from the Castle Inn in Pembroke, who have been fundraising in aid of the 3 Amigos. The group are pictured alongside participants from today’s run.

The 3 Amigos have been raising funds for children’s wards and health charities for more than twenty-five years, with their Easter and Christmas events continuing to make a positive difference to young patients and their families.

Organisers have thanked the public for their support and asked road users to be mindful of the large convoy as it passes through towns and villages this afternoon.

Photo caption:
Festive fundraising: Fun runners from the Castle Inn, Pembroke, pictured supporting the 3 Amigos Christmas toy bike run (Pic: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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