PUBLIC URGED TO ACT RESPONSIBLY AS DRY WEATHER INCREASES FIRE RISK

PEOPLE planning to enjoy Wales’ countryside this Bank Holiday weekend are being urged to act responsibly as warm, dry weather increases the risk of wildfires.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said officers have been working closely with fire and rescue services and other partners to help manage and tackle grass and wildfires across the country.

On Wednesday (Apr 29), NRW deployed a fire-fighting helicopter to carry out targeted water drops on the Elan Valley wildfire at Cwmystwyth because of the high risk to nature, difficult ground access, forecast winds and a lack of significant rainfall.

Since last night, teams have also been assisting South Wales Fire and Rescue Service at a large wildfire at Waun Wen, near Merthyr Tydfil.

With conditions forecast to remain dry over the coming days, Wales is now entering an elevated-risk period for wildfires.

NRW said teams would continue working around the clock to protect people, nature and property, but warned that lighting fires and using disposable barbecues in the countryside can have devastating consequences.

Richard Preece, Duty Tactical Manager for Natural Resources Wales, said: “Wales’ landscapes are incredibly special, but they are also vulnerable.

“It only takes one careless act for a fire to start and quickly get out of control.

“We’re asking everyone visiting the outdoors this Bank Holiday to think about the consequences of their actions and help us protect our wildlife, our water and our communities.”

Visitors are being urged to be #WildfireWise by following simple safety advice: never light fires in the countryside, only use disposable barbecues where signs say they are allowed, never leave them unattended and make sure they are fully out before leaving.

People are also being asked to take all litter home, especially glass bottles, avoid discarding cigarettes or matches, and report any signs of fire or suspicious activity immediately by calling 999.

Carl Williams, Arson Reduction Manager for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said wildfires place huge pressure on crews and can divert firefighters away from other emergencies.

He said: “Wildfires not only divert crews from responding to other emergencies but also expose firefighters to significant risk.

“These incidents often demand large numbers of personnel, including on-call staff who must leave their primary employment to attend incidents and remain deployed for extended periods, placing considerable strain on personnel and resources.

“Unlike building fires, wildfires can burn across vast rural landscapes, threatening nearby homes, farms, livestock, power supplies and key transport routes.

“Smoke from these fires can also cause road hazards and serious health impacts, particularly for vulnerable people.

“By making responsible choices, the public can help protect firefighters, safeguard communities, and preserve Wales’s countryside for future generations.”

Rhydian Slade-Jones, Landowner Engagement Officer for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We work closely with Natural Resources Wales, local farmers and landowners throughout the year to identify high-risk areas and put preventative measures in place, but we can’t do it alone.

“Most wildfires in Wales are caused by human activity, so we’re asking everyone to act responsibly.

“If you see any deliberate fire setting or anti-social behaviour on our hillsides, it is important you report it straight away. Your actions can make a big difference in keeping our communities and crews safe.”

NRW said most wildfires in Wales are started deliberately and classed as arson. Others are caused by carelessness, often through the inappropriate use of barbecues or open flames in the countryside. Very few are the result of accidents or natural causes.

Wildfires can destroy trees, plants and wildlife in hours, with habitats taking years or even decades to recover. Ash and disturbed soil can also be washed into rivers, lakes and reservoirs, reducing water quality and harming fish and other aquatic life.

The loss of vegetation can increase the risk of soil erosion and flooding, while damaged landscapes leave lasting scars on Wales’ countryside.

As well as long-term damage to nature and forestry, wildfires put lives at risk. Firefighters, land managers and nearby communities can all be threatened by fast-spreading flames and smoke.

VOLUNTEERS have been praised for helping keep public toilets open at Nolton Haven ahead of the busy summer season.

Nick Neumann, from Haverfordwest, spent a day painting the facilities, giving them a fresh coat as the coastal village prepares for more visitors.

The toilets are now run by Nolton and Roch Community Council and are maintained through volunteer support and public donations.

The effort has been described as a real example of community spirit, with local people stepping in to help protect an important facility for residents, walkers, beachgoers and visitors to the area.

The work was shared on local community pages, including the Nolton Haven Community Page and Roch Village – Pembrokeshire.

DERELICT SITE CONCERNS

COUNCILLORS have called for urgent action to make safe and clear the site of a derelict Haverfordwest building destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed on Wednesday (Apr 29) that officers are investigating an arson at Snowdrop Lane, which happened at around 11:30pm on Monday (Apr 27).

A two-storey derelict property was destroyed in the blaze, with police now appealing for information, Ring doorbell footage, or CCTV which could assist their investigation.

Fire crews were called to the scene late on Monday night, with residents in the area advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed as smoke spread from the burning building.

County Councillor for the Priory Ward, Cllr David Bryan, said he hoped the site would be dealt with more quickly than a previous fire-damaged property in the area.

“I hope it doesn’t continue to be an eyesore like the other one was,” he said.

“That took a few years to put right and to clear. I hope it doesn’t take as long this time, nowhere near as long.

“It took so long for that to be cleared and put in a respectable state. It has an impact on property values.

“I hope it will be cleared as soon as possible once the insurance has been sorted out and that it doesn’t impact on house prices around it.”

Cllr Bryan added that he had been in touch with constituents living nearby, who said they had not been directly affected by the fire as the smoke had blown towards Merlins Bridge.

However, he urged anyone in the area who had been affected, or who had concerns, to get in touch.

Town councillor for the Priory Ward, Cllr Adam Benson Davies, also encouraged residents to contact him if they had any worries following the incident.

“If local residents or anyone has concerns, feel free to contact me and I can discuss it with them either in person or over the phone,” he said.

Cllr Benson Davies said the future of the building could not be determined until the police and fire investigations had been completed.

“We need to wait until the investigation concludes before we state what can be done with the buildings,” he said.

“If it is unsafe then it needs to be demolished, but I don’t know if it is unsafe. I am not a structural engineer.

“We need to look at the ownership of these buildings and ensure that they are safe, secure and do not present a risk to the general public.”

Cllr Benson Davies added that he supported the wider regeneration of the Snowdrop Lane area.

Police have said officers will remain in the street today carrying out door-to-door crime enquiries.

Anyone with information, CCTV, or Ring doorbell footage is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], by direct message on social media, or by calling 101.

Quote reference: DP-20260427-508.