The South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team (SSSART) expressed disappointment after volunteers and a specialist helicopter were deployed to rescue two individuals who entered a wildfire zone to capture drone footage. The pair bypassed police roadblocks and ignored official safety warnings, becoming stranded and requiring emergency assistance.
Avoidable Rescue Incurs Public Expense
SSSART stated that the rescue operation will have incurred significant public expense, drawing sharp criticism from emergency services who warned that such actions place volunteers in needless danger and divert resources from firefighting efforts. The team noted a wider increase in people attempting to visit and wild camp near active fire zones despite repeated pleas to stay away.
SSSART Statement
In a statement, a SSSART spokesperson said: "For over 30 years, SSSART has served the communities and visitors of Southern Eryri. Throughout that time, we have responded to incidents involving missing people and casualties, treating everyone with the care, respect and professionalism they deserve. This week we were called to an incident involving two individuals who had entered an area affected by an active wildfire. Despite road closures and police advice to stay away, they chose to access the area, resulting in an emergency response and rescue after they became stranded. The circumstances of this incident were particularly disappointing as it appears the individuals entered the restricted area to obtain drone footage of the wild fires. Their actions resulted in the deployment of SSSART volunteers and the Search and Rescue helicopter to carry out a rescue that could have been avoided."
Increase in Unauthorized Access
The spokesperson added: "We have also seen an increase in members of the public attempting to visit the area as well as incidents of wild camping even after publications and repeated requests have been made by partner agencies to avoid the incident location. Every deployment requires careful consideration of the risks to our volunteers and partner agencies. Incidents such as this require the commitment of personnel and resources that could otherwise be available for genuine emergencies, while also exposing Team Members to unnecessary risk. This rescue will have incurred significant public expense through the deployment of specialist emergency assets, including the Search and Rescue helicopter. It has also placed demands on our team's equipment and resources, all of which are funded through charitable fundraising and public support."
Fire Service Response
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service issued a statement: "We have also seen instances where people have travelled to wildfire locations and subsequently required emergency assistance. Incidents such as these divert valuable resources away from firefighting operations and the protection of local communities at a time when every available resource is needed. The best way the public can support emergency responders is by staying away from affected areas, following official updates and respecting all road closures and safety measures that have been put in place. Thank you for your patience, kindness and continued support as we work to keep our communities safe."
