A major incident has been declared in North Wales as emergency services tackle a large-scale wildfire near Sychnant Pass on Conwy Mountain, forcing residents to evacuate. The blaze is one of several wildfires that have broken out across the UK, including in Greater Manchester, Somerset, and Dorset, as the country endures a prolonged heatwave and extreme temperatures.
North Wales Wildfire Prompts Evacuations
North Wales Police confirmed the major incident, stating: 'A major incident has been declared by emergency services tackling a large-scale wildfire near Sychnant Pass on Conwy Mountain.' The road on Conwy Old Road in Dwygyfylchi has been closed, and residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed. Penmaenmawr Town Council advised residents in parts of Capelulo, around the Fairy Glen public house, to evacuate due to smoke. The Gladstone pub has been designated as a place of safety for evacuated residents.
Fire Service Warns of Ongoing Operations
Service Delivery Manager Jami Jennings of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Firefighters remain on scene working in challenging conditions to contain the fire and protect surrounding communities, property, infrastructure and the environment. The incident involves a co-ordinated response from multiple fire appliances, specialist wildfire resources and partner agencies. Due to the size and complexity of the incident, operations are expected to continue for some time. We would ask members of the public to avoid the affected area to allow emergency services to work safely and efficiently.'
Wildfires Spread Across the Country
In Somerset, five fire crews from Chard, Martock, Yeovil, and Taunton were called to a wildfire in the Winterhay Lane area of Ilminster. They found a significant area of conifer trees, hedgerow, grassland, and an electricity pylon well alight, spreading rapidly due to dry conditions. Photos from Chard Fire Station showed huge plumes of smoke and charred vegetation. In Greater Manchester, moorland fires continue to rage above Dovestone Reservoir.
'Exceptional' Wildfire Risk for UK
Natural England has warned that parts of the UK are at 'exceptional' risk of wildfires as the heatwave continues. Its fire severity index highlights southern England and the Midlands as highest risk, with the area of exceptional risk set to increase and spread to the South East and east of England by mid-week. Most of England and Wales is deemed at 'very high' risk over the coming days. The Met Office expects the scorching conditions to last into the next week, with most areas staying dry, sunny, and very hot.
Fire Chief Urges Public Caution
Dave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, urged the public to take care and avoid causing sparks. He stated: 'Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them. Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water. As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.'
Travel Disruption and Safety Advice
Traffic Wales North & Mid warned motorists of a 'significant amount of smoke' drifting across parts of the North Wales coast, urging extra care. The fire service advised local residents to close all windows and doors. The public is asked to avoid affected areas to allow emergency services to work safely.
