Conwy County Council has issued a fresh appeal for residents and visitors to help prevent wildfires as a prolonged spell of hot, dry weather keeps the risk elevated across the county.
Local leaders warn of rapid fire spread
Cllr Mike Priestley, the council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Roads and Infrastructure, said the recent wildfire in Conwy demonstrated how quickly flames can take hold and move through vulnerable vegetation. He urged people to follow advice from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and to take simple precautions to protect communities, parks, beaches and nature reserves.
The county’s fire service has reiterated the same message. Jody McEachern, Head of Prevention at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, thanked firefighters, control room staff and partner agencies for their efforts and called on the public to reduce the likelihood of further incidents.
“With the current hot and dry weather conditions, even a small spark can quickly develop into a rapidly spreading fire. Grass fires can start within seconds.” — Jody McEachern
How residents can help
The council and the fire service set out straightforward measures the public can take to lower the risk of wildfires and ease demand on emergency responders.
- Avoid using barbecues in parks, beaches and other open spaces; consider taking a packed picnic instead.
- Do not light open fires or burn garden waste while hot, dry conditions persist.
- Dispose of cigarettes responsibly and do not throw lit items from vehicles.
- Keep an eye out for signs of fire and report any outbreaks promptly to the emergency services.
Practical guidance at a glance
| Allowed/Recommended | Not recommended/Forbidden |
|---|---|
| Picnics without open flames; using designated barbecue areas where explicitly permitted | Portable barbecues, fire pits and any open burning in parks, beaches and nature reserves |
| Reporting sightings of smoke or fire to emergency services | Discarding lit cigarettes or creating sparks near dry grass and heather |
Officials emphasise that vigilance by local communities can make a significant difference during prolonged dry weather. The combined message from the council and the fire service is clear: simple, preventative actions now will help protect Conwy’s countryside, assets and the crews who respond to these incidents.
