A TikTok user's video rant against a Snowdonia campsite's no-fires policy has drawn backlash, with the owner defending the ban as a necessary safety measure during the current drought.
Video rant and backlash
Jamie Greenall from Wigan posted a video praising Cefn Coed campsite near Penmaenpool but criticizing the family that owns it. In the clip, he accused owner Adrian Wright of being a “f****** helmet” after being asked to extinguish his campfire. The video, shared with his 14,600 TikTok followers, also complained about rules on music volume.
TikTok users responded by pointing out that wildfires had been raging in North Wales and extreme caution was needed. One commenter said it would be “pretty stupid” to allow fires, while another noted that wildfires had covered Barmouth in smoke for days two weeks prior.
Owner defends policy
Mr Wright, who has run Cefn Coed for 18 years, described the situation as “dangerous” and said not enough people were “using common sense”. He patrols the campsite each evening to ensure guests follow the no-fires policy, which was introduced due to the drought. The ban has led to a “huge” loss of income, as firewood stockpiled for campers remains unsold.
“I can take the personal abuse but not claims that we are being too cautious,” Mr Wright said. “Wildfires have been burning across the county and reports are all over the news.” He added that most guests understand the need for the ban, but a few have “turned nasty”.
Wildfire risks and rare animals
In July, a wildfire burned for almost two weeks in the Rhinogydd mountain range, affecting more than 2,000 acres. On Monday night, a fire was reported in woodland on a neighbouring property, heightening the sense of vulnerability at Cefn Coed, which also houses rare and heritage breed animals including llamas, goats, Vallais sheep, and Iberian horses.
With little sign of heavy rain in the forecast, the no-fire rule is set to remain. Mr Wright, who promotes a rewilding approach, said he would be devastated if the area's natural beauty was destroyed. “The fields are yellow and brown in the drought – they’re as dry as anything,” he said. “It only takes one drifting ember to ignite a wildfire - and tents aren’t fireproof. Many people and animals could suffer the consequences. It is potentially a matter of life and death.”
