Residents told not to burn waste as battle to stop devastating fires goes on

RHONDDA Cynon Taf council is urging residents not to be tempted to burn garden or household waste.

What may have been intended to be just a small fire, or just a bit of fun, can quickly spread out of control.

Last year, there were nearly 4,000 deliberate rubbish fires across Wales, with the main causes being household bin bags, fly-tipped furniture and bulky items.

Deliberate fires not only put the lives of firefighters, residents and animals in danger, but they also pose substantial risk to the community and can cause significant damage to property and the environment.

Smoke pollution is a health risk that can irritate airways, the skin and eyes, cause coughing, breathlessness and chest pain. People with asthma and other respiratory diseases may become unwell of fire smoke.

The council has received a large increase of burning complaints since the Government introduced social and travel restrictions.

The council is continuing to support South Wales Fire and Rescue Service as part of Operation Dawns because

Glaw – a taskforce set up to reduce the number of deliberate fires.

Councillor Rhys Lewis, cabinet member for stronger communities, wellbeing and cultural services, said: “Deliberate mountain fires are both costly and damaging and will not be tolerated, which is why we are supporting South Wales Fire and Rescue Service with their Dawns Glaw campaign.

“We also have a responsibility to ensure that all of our waste is disposed of correctly and through legitimate waste operators.

“The burning of unwanted bulky items is also strictly prohibited at any time.”

■ Anyone with information on deliberate fires should ring 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you see a fire, or anyone starting a fire, call 999.