A family that owns a farm in the Rhinogydd has paid for a privately hired helicopter to help tackle a wildfire after they say official aerial support would not be available for days.
Immediate action amid mounting frustration
The fire, which has been burning for several days across open mountain above Cwm Bychan, drew a sustained response from on-the-ground crews. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have been working alongside exhausted firefighters who remained at the scene around the clock.
Despite calls from politicians for further assistance, including suggestions that military help should be considered, the Walkden family — who have owned the farm for more than 40 years — say they felt compelled to arrange and fund aerial support themselves when they were told an official helicopter would not be available for days. They would not disclose the exact cost, but described it as substantial.
“I’m angry we had to source and pay for this ourselves. We couldn't stand by and watch it all go up in flames,” said a member of the family.
Wildlife, ancient woodland and the limits of recovery
The Walkdens warned that although the open mountain habitats are likely to recover over time, there is deep concern for the impact on wildlife and a nearby 300-year ancient woodland. Smoke has also affected residents lower in the valley.
- 70 firefighters were deployed to the scene for a two-day period, the family said, and remain grateful for their efforts.
- The farm has been in the same family for over 40 years.
- Concerns centre on the loss to wildlife and damage to a 300-year stand of ancient woodland.
Regulation and operational constraints
NRW acknowledged the goodwill behind offers of help but stressed that aerial firefighting is a specialist, heavily regulated activity. An NRW spokesperson said operators used for wildfire response must meet specific operational requirements and be on an approved list — a point that, according to the Walkdens, prevented NRW from accepting an offered pilot they had identified.
The family said they approached NRW with details of a pilot who regularly works in Dartmoor National Park but were told he was not on the list of cleared operators, leaving them to make their own arrangements.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fire location | Rhinogydd, near Cwm Bychan farm |
| Farm ownership | Owned by Walkden family for over 40 years |
| Firefighting resource noted | 70 firefighters reported on site for two days |
| Heritage at risk | 300-year ancient woodland nearby |
For residents of Gwynedd, the episode raises practical and policy questions about how wildfire response is organised and resourced in upland areas, particularly during periods of high demand. It also highlights the emotional and financial burden borne by landowners who feel compelled to take direct action to protect property and habitat.
Local crews continue to work on containment where it is safe to do so, while agencies review the operational constraints that governed the use of aerial assets during this incident. The Walkdens have called for further conversation about future handling of fires to prevent similar situations.
