Emergency services were called to a fire on Archer Road in Ely, Cardiff, on Monday evening, August 3, which burned fiercely for over an hour near a children's play area.
Ely Community Sports and Wellbeing Foundation described it as 'arguably the biggest fire we've seen deliberately set in the field beyond Ely Recreation Ground.' The foundation thanked South Wales Fire and Rescue Service for their 'swift response and professionalism in preventing what could have become an even more serious incident.'
Fire crews respond
A spokesperson for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: 'SWFRS received a call at around 20:39 to reports of a fire on Archer Road, Ely, Cardiff. Crews and appliances from Cowbridge and Pontyclun attended the incident and extinguished the fire using the hose reel. The stop message was received at around 22:03.'
The fire comes after Natural Resources Wales declared a drought across the whole of Wales and urged the public to take extra care outdoors to prevent the risk of fires and wildfires.
Police investigation
A spokesperson from South Wales Police said: 'Officers attended Archer Road, Ely, last night (Monday, August 3) following a report that a fire had been started deliberately in the recreation ground. A crowd of people had gathered but, following enquiries, no-one was able to provide further information on how the fire started.'
The police force has urged anyone with any information to contact South Wales Police with the reference 2600251891. The public can do so via their website, by calling 101, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Community impact
Ely Community Sports and Wellbeing Foundation urged the public to respect shared areas and highlighted the impact fires can have on wildlife, the environment, and emergency services.
'This is another timely reminder of just how vulnerable the open spaces we all share really are. These areas belong to the whole community, families, children, sports clubs, dog walkers and local residents and they deserve to be respected and protected.'
'We sincerely hope the individual(s) responsible receive the education, guidance and support they need to understand the seriousness of their actions. Deliberately setting fires puts lives at risk, causes unnecessary damage to wildlife and the environment, and places avoidable pressure on our emergency services.'
'Actions like this have consequences, and it is important that those responsible are held accountable while also being given the opportunity to learn from their behaviour.'
