Welcome from the Chief Fire Officer

Put safety first in the sunshine

This month I am highlighting the dangers associated with some common summertime fires, as many residents may be spending more time out and about in the countryside or contemplating getting out their barbecues and dusting off their patio furniture.

Fires can destroy acres of countryside

During warmer weather, the grass and vegetation is generally dry, which means if you accidentally start a fire outdoors it can spread very quickly, destroying everything in its path.

Add a light summer breeze to the equation and the fire will spread even more rapidly.

Tying up resources

We attended over 20 incidents involving grass and gorse fires in just one weekend over Easter, including a large mountain fire in Blaenau Ffestiniog where around twenty properties were evacuated.

Many of these fires caused multiple calls to the control room from concerned members of the public. Each small fire has the potential to tie up resources and prevent us from attending other life threatening incidents elsewhere.

A flicked cigarette from a car window, a barbecue that sets fire to a hedge, or a bonfire left unattended could start a blaze that destroys acres of countryside, crops and wildlife.