FIREFIGHTER HURT IN ‘WORST’ BLAZE
DRAMATIC SCENES AS CREWS BATTLE GRASSLAND FIRE
A FIREFIGHTER has been injured while tackling a fire that raged across grassland in Swansea.
The fire, which has been described as the “worst ever seen” in the area by residents, started on Penlan Common, Mynydd Newydd Road, at around 8pm on Tuesday, March 30.
Fire crews from Swansea Central and Morriston stations fought back the flames until around 10pm. The fire spread across six hectares (60,000sq metres) of grassland close to a school and leisure centre.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that a firefighter responding to the incident sustained an injury. The smoke and glow from the flames were seen miles away, with people in Townhill and Mount Pleasant sharing pictures and videos of the fire on social media.
Bex Rees, from Penlan, was one of those who captured a video of the fire as she drove to the area to check on her son.
“I’ve seen fires over there a few times but that one was the worst yet. My son and his friends were over there
‘‘ I’ve seen fires over there a few times but that one was the worst yet. My son and his friends were over there getting the horses away from it - Bex Rees
getting the horses away from it. I went there to check that my son got away OK,” she said.
Michelle Morgans, from Townhill, said she could see the fire from her home.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen a fire like that on the common and I was surprised and shocked by the size of the fire,” she said.
Station manager Richard Vaughan Williams, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s arson reduction manager, said: “While we currently don’t know the cause of this fire, I would like to issue a reminder that deliberately setting fire to grass is illegal and we work closely with the police to prosecute those who carry out this senseless and dangerous action.
“If somebody knows that this fire was lit deliberately please report this to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 – or via the online anonymous form at Crimestoppers-uk. org.
“This incident has resulted in an injury to one of my colleagues and is another example of how a grass fire places an unnecessary strain on the fire and rescue service’s resources. This was an unnecessary incident that pulled on our resources which may have been required at a property fire or a road traffic collision.
“It may be the case that this fire was accidental. In which case, I would urge the public to take extra care when venturing outdoors in this fine weather. Actions such as disposing cigarettes in a responsible manner, not leaving campfires and barbecues unattended and clearing away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid
them magnifying the sun and starting a fire are small yet significant actions.”
Earlier this month, flames raged across 20 hectares of grassland in Fairwood Common, Gower, in what was believed to have been a deliberately started fire and fire ripped through 30 hectares of grassland and forest in Maesteg, Bridgend.
A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Joint fire control received the first call of a grass fire on Mynydd Cadle Common, Penlan, Swansea at 8.08pm on
Tuesday, March 30.
“Crews from Morriston and Swansea Central were deployed to the incident. Approximately six hectares of grassland were well alight.
“Firefighters fought the fire using beaters, blowers and a hose reel jet. The Fire Service left the incident at 9.52pm.”
A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said: “South Wales Police was contacted last night by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, requesting police attendance to assist with traffic management around a grass fire on Mynddd Cadle Common.”