Two beauty spots on Anglesey and a country park in Flintshire were targeted by people lighting fires over the weekend, North Wales Police have said, warning that such fires can “rapidly get out of control”.
All three fires were extinguished before they could spread, but police say the incidents put people, wildlife and the environment at risk, especially during hot and dry weather.
Wepre Park campfire
On Sunday, July 26, a large campfire was discovered at Wepre Park in Connah’s Quay. Park rangers managed to extinguish it before it caused serious damage. North Wales Police shared an image of smouldering logs the following morning.
A police spokesperson said: “Thankfully, park rangers were able to extinguish it before it spread and caused more serious damage. These incidents put people, wildlife and the environment at risk - particularly during hot/dry weather periods. Even when a fire appears to be out, it can continue to smoulder and reignite.”
Penrhos Coastal Park fire
At Penrhos Coastal Park in Holyhead, walkers found a smaller campfire in the nature reserve’s woodlands on Saturday. It was still glowing with smoke and surrounded by empty drinks cans. The walkers put it out and informed the fire brigade, who said there had been a couple of fires there that day.
Newborough Forest incidents
Further fires were extinguished at Newborough Forest in southwest Anglesey, a 2,500-acre site that has long attracted illicit wild campers despite a site-wide ban on barbecues and campfires.
Due to the current wildfire risk, extra patrols were mounted over the weekend by wardens from Natural Resources Wales, joined by police and firefighters. On Saturday, the wardens said: “It was a busy evening, with staff responding to a number of issues including fires being lit close to the forest, wild camping and some anti-social behaviour.”
Public reactions
Online, those responsible have been labelled “idiots” who need to face the law. One person suggested heat-seeking drones, fines of £100 for barbecues and £1,000 for lit barbecues, plus a lifetime ban. Another argued for education: “Fining doesn’t help if they have no money. Fostering love of nature in schools early on might help. Community service in the forests for offenders maybe?”
Many fire call-outs have come from local residents worried about precious areas being destroyed. Police urged vigilance: “If you see a fire or suspicious activity, report it. If there is an immediate risk to life or property, always call 999.”
