Gareth Wyn Jones, a Welsh BBC star and farmer known for his role in The Family Farm, issued an urgent plea on BBC Breakfast after wildfires ravaged nearly 300 acres of his land in the Conwy mountains. Speaking to presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay via video link from his family farm Ty'n Llwyfan in Llanfairfechan, Conwy, he described the conditions as 'serious' and 'scary.'
Wildfires Cause Devastation on Welsh Farm
'It's been difficult the last few days to be honest,' Gareth admitted, noting that this was the fourth fire his mountain range had faced this summer. 'It's serious conditions, really dry and the wind as well. The wind is very changeable, very strong, so it's pushing the fire very, very quickly.' He revealed that the fire had destroyed nearly 300 acres of grazing land and wildlife, calling it 'one of the biggest I've seen in a long time' and 'uncontrollable.'
Plea for Public Caution
Gareth urged the public to be diligent when visiting the countryside. 'I would like to ask everyone that goes to the countryside to be diligent, to be careful, cigarettes... wildfires have started by one little mistake. Just be careful, because it causes devastation to the farmers, to the wildlife and to the environment.' He also highlighted that the fire surrounded another farmer's pigs, and they were 'very fortunate they didn't lose their lives.'
Firefighters Praised as Conditions Worsen
Despite the efforts of firefighters, whom Gareth praised as 'unbelievable' for risking 'life and limb,' the fire remained difficult to control. 'You have to take damage limitations and hopefully it has burnt out for now but please, we need to be diligent, we need to be careful and we need to keep an eye on these fires because at this time of year, now, the whole situation, this place is flammable, it is a tinder box.'
Social Media Warnings Against Reckless Behaviour
Gareth also addressed social media videos showing youngsters using fireworks and lighting fires. 'Please, don't make this something that is fun. It's not fun for the animals, not fun for the fire services and not fun for us as farming. It's no good for the environment and no good for our wildlife. Please respect the countryside, be diligent, be safe, enjoy it, but don't take any risks. Just be careful out there because it's our livelihood, and we really need to protect it.'
