A TikToker from Wigan has faced criticism from the owner of a campsite in Wales after he launched a foul-mouthed rant over the site's no fire policy.
Jamie Greenall shared a video accusing site owner Adrian Wright of being a 'f****** helmet' after he was told to extinguish his fire at the Cefn Coed campsite near Penmaenpool. He told his 14,000 followers that 'nobody likes' the owner over this policy and also his approach to visitors playing music.
Jamie's rant came amid a spate of wildfires across the UK this summer in the current drought. Last night, the government sent an emergency alert to millions of people's phones warning against lighting anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks.
Rant over 'one bad point'
In his video, Jamie praised the campsite itself, telling his followers that it was 'absolutely amazing'. As well as a 'beach' and 'hidden trails', the nearby Mawddach Trail provided access to the 'dead nice coastal town' of Barmouth, he said enthusiastically.
However, in his post, he claimed there was 'one bad point' – the site's 'bald guy' owner. Speaking directly to him in his clip, he said: "If you're watching this mate, you're a bit of a f****** helmet and nobody likes you. A lot of people are calling you behind your back."
"So, campfires (are) allowed, they sell camp wood, everything. And he made everyone put the fires out. Helmet! (He) made people turn their music off even if it was dead quiet. Yeah, he was an absolute D I C f****** H."
Owner defends policy
Cefn Coed near Penmaenpool is amongst the vast majority of campsites in Gwynedd that have banned open fires during the current drought. Adrian, who has operated Cefn Coed for 18 years, described it as a 'dangerous situation' and said not enough people were 'using common sense'.
Commenting on Jamie's video, TikTok users pointed out that wildfires had been raging across North Wales and extreme caution was needed. In July, a wildfire burned for almost two weeks in the Rhinogydd mountain range a little further north in Eryri National Park. Affecting more than 2,000 acres, smoke drifted south across Barmouth.
Aware of the potential dangers, Adrian patrols his campsite each evening to ensure guests are abiding by its no-fires policy. He also checks visitors aren't disrupting the 'quietness and tranquillity' that most guests seek when they book pitches.
Prior to arrival, guests must accept site regulations that include a prohibition on loud music. Since the campfire ban was introduced, all arrivals are briefed at check-in about the dangers of ignoring it.
Loss of income and pushback
Firewood stockpiled for campers has been languishing unsold in a shed. The loss of income has been 'huge', Adrian said, who added: "I can take the personal abuse but not claims that we are being too cautious."
"Wildfires have been burning across the county and reports are all over the news. We've been getting a bit of pushback from campers (about our no-fires policy) but ultimately most understand the need for it. Only a few people have turned nasty."
"On the same evening (that Jamie visited) I politely asked four guests in the same meadow to extinguish their fires, which they did. Most people are happy to comply for the benefit of everyone but there are always some who don't think the rules apply to them."
"Unfortunately a handful of people seem to feel that their rights have been infringed. They will go ahead and make a fire anyway when they think no one can see them. Even if they agree to extinguish fires, some don't, so we have to hang around to make sure they do."
Commenting on Jamie's video, TikTok users agreed with the site's no-fires policy, saying it would be 'pretty stupid' to permit them. One said: "All campsite have a temporary ban on fires at the moment. Two week ago a wildfire covered Barmouth in smoke for days."
Another added: "I absolutely agree with the owner. There were wildfires over the Rhinog Mountains, which are 15 miles away. The reason for no fires is the safety of all the other campers, the woodlands and the wildlife. Also, these rules are recommended by the local fire services."
No-fire rule to remain
With little sign of heavy, sustained rain in the forecast, the no-fire rule is set to remain at campsites for some time yet. As well as being responsible for guest safety, Adrian promotes a rewilding approach, saying 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."
The UK's mobile phone alert system was used on Friday evening to warn people not to light anything which could spark a wildfire, including barbecues and garden incinerators. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told members of the public to take the warning 'seriously' and said it was triggered at the request of firefighters.
