Pitching in to cut risk of a fire disaster in heatwave
POLICE officers and fire fighters have joined forest rangers on patrols to discourage wild camping and the lighting of fires in woodland areas – with risks all too obvious after the major recent fires across North-west Wales.
Woodlands officer Gareth Jones, from Natural Resources Wales, led the latest venture, in Newborough forest in Anglesey.
He was one of several NRW officers in the area and was joined by PC Eryl Lloyd, of North Wales Police’s Rural Crime Unit, and Mike Owen, of North Wales Fire Service.
On a warm summer’s evening, the beach was still busy and officers were detailed to walk along the expanse of sand onto Ynys Llanddwyn to warn anyone lighting a barbecue of the dangers of fire. Others used vehicles to access the forest’s maze of tracks, bridleways and footpaths.
Mr Jones said: “There are some places which are more popular than others.
“They are close to the sea or the car parks. We know where to look and there is no hiding place, even in the woods.”
Last month, firefighters were called to tackle a blaze deep in the woods which had been caused by a person camping in a small clearing and using a disposable barbecue to cook food.
This set fire to a tent and meant only a small 4x4 fire vehicle could access the site.
Heading towards the beach, Mr Jones spotted a campsite in dense woodland. There was no one around, but it was clearly set up for an overnight camp, with food and drink stored in cool boxes.
“This is just what we want to discourage,” he said. “Whoever pitched these tents here is going to be staying a while.”
Walking to the nearby beach, a group of young men admitted the tents were theirs but insisted they were not p planning to stay overnight. As Mr Jones made his way back to the vehicle, they were seen to be taking down the tents.
Later, on a forest track which is also part of the Wales Coast Path, a group of men carrying camping gear were sp spotted.
Mr Jones spoke to them but was sh shown a map with their intended de destination clearly marked.
“They are planning to camp ov overnight near Malltraeth at a proper ca campsite,” he said.
Anglesey and Snowdonia have been among the hottest places in the UK recently. NRW and the Snowdonia National Park Authority have appealed to the public to take extra care not to start a fire in the countryside.
Dylan Williams, of NRW, said: “We’ve had a few incidents recently where people have lit fires, left rubbish, and damaged sites in Newborough and Geirionydd.
“To help tackle the problem, our wardens will be in the area, talking to people about how we all need to work together to look after these places for the future.
“Make sure BBQs are completely extinguished and don’t throw cigarettes on the ground – dispose of them responsibly.
“Take your litter home - glass bottles can start a fire when in full sun and ensure that exhaust pipes are not in contact with grass or dry vegetation.”
Last month, sister paper the Daily Post reported on incidents at Llyn Geirionydd near Llanrwst, which included visitors cutting down trees to fuel a fire.
Rhys Owen, Head of Conservation, Woodlands and Agriculture, said: “As we are in the middle of a long spell of dry and hot weather, we ask everyone to take care when out in the countryside, be it at leisure or at work, and to take extra care with anything that may start a fire or create a spark.”