There have been almost 100 grass fires since the gradual relaxation of some Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS) has said.

The move in message from ‘stay home’ to ‘stay local’ has coincided with mostly warm, dry weather and since Friday, May 29 MWWFRS has attended 98 grass fires, started both deliberately or accidentally.

Recognising the impact that these fires are having on our communities, MWWFRS is working in partnership with the four Local Authorities, Dyfed Powys Police, Natural Resource Wales and Cadw in a bid to tackle this issue and to protect the historic environment, natural habitat and surrounding countryside.  

During the summer, grass and mountains can become very dry, making the perfect conditions for fires to grow and spread very quickly.

The damage to the surrounding landscape and the effect on historic features, habitats and wildlife largely goes unrecognised. 

Members of the public are asked to take precautions and to follow the safety advice below.

• Extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly - don’t throw them out of car windows.

• Only use barbeques in suitable and safe areas, never leave them unattended and always extinguish them properly.

• Don’t start fires in the countryside – dry vegetation means fires will spread quickly and easily.

• Make sure your BBQ is in good working order before you use it.

• Make sure to let your BBQ cool down after use, before you dispose or move it. 

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Councillor David Simpson said: “Wildfires are extremely dangerous and can spread quickly, having a devastating effect on wildlife and the environment – they put lives in danger and cause significant damage to property.

“Wildfires are unacceptable at any time, but especially during the Covid-19 response when emergency service resources are critical in protecting the public.

“In addition, I would like to thank the communities of Pembrokeshire for continuing to demonstrate responsibility during the recent warm weather by following safety advice regarding fires and BBQs.”

Richie Vaughan-Williams, Arson Reduction Manager, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Deliberately setting fires is illegal and irresponsible. Operationally, wildfires often require multiple crews working hard together, sharing equipment and on difficult terrain.

“This is a concern when we are trying to operate distancing procedures as much as possible to protect those crews. We would like to appeal to you to help us and other essential services in preventing these incidents from occurring.”

Dyfed-Powys Police Acting Inspector, Rhys Jones said: “Deliberately setting fires is a serious crime, and we work very closely with our partners to tackle the issue. Not only do these fires pose a significant risk to the safety of our communities, but we see far too often the destruction of nationally important wildlife and habitat as a consequence also.

“In partnership with the Arson Reduction Team we thoroughly investigate incidents of deliberate fires to identify those people responsible, and we ask that anyone with any information about such incidents contacts police either online at: https://www.dyfed-powys.police.uk/en/contact-us/report-an-incident/, by email at: [email protected], or by calling 101.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”