The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is battling a massive wildfire in the Rhinogydd mountains above Harlech, Gwynedd, which has already consumed 2,000 acres of land. The fire front is approximately 2km long, and the fire service is working tirelessly to contain it. The fire is particularly challenging to combat due to the difficult terrain and limited access, with a significant portion of the affected area being inaccessible by vehicle or on foot. The fire service has requested aerial support from Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru (Natural Resources Wales), but due to high demand from other wildfire incidents across the UK, helicopter assistance is not currently available until early next week.
The fire has been burning since at least Sunday, July 12th, and has been fueled by the tinderbox dry conditions of North Wales. It has already destroyed a large portion of the Rhinog National Nature Reserve, a Biogenetic Reserve, and a Special Area of Conservation. The reserve is celebrated as one of the last true wildernesses in North Wales, and its destruction has raised concerns for the local wildlife and nature.
The fire has also impacted nearby communities, with residents reporting smoke and ash falling on their properties. The fire service has advised residents to shelter indoors and keep windows and doors closed until the smoke has dissipated. The fire has also caused road closures, including the Sychnant Pass Road and Conway Old Road, which are both closed due to the serious fire between Dwygyfylchi and Llechwedd turn off.
The fire service has been receiving support from local people, with many offering donations of food, drinks, and other items to support the firefighters. However, the fire service has asked people to stay away from the affected areas to help keep roads clear and maintain access for emergency vehicles. The fire service has also praised the efforts of local farmers using their quadbikes to get firefighters and their gear up mountainsides.
The fire has also raised concerns about the potential for a hosepipe ban in parts of Wales, as reservoir levels remain "healthy" but there are challenges in producing, treating, storing, and moving enough drinking water through the network quickly enough to meet "exceptional" demand. The affected area covers around 33,000 properties, and more than 300 homes in Old Colwyn, Conwy, have experienced intermittent interruptions to water supplies without warning.
The fire has also impacted the local economy, with cafes and ice cream parlors offering free sittings to firefighters. The Shell Island campsite, one of Europe's largest campsites, has imposed an immediate fire ban due to the exceptionally dry ground conditions on site.
The fire service continues to work tirelessly to contain the fire and protect the surrounding environment, with multiple fire crews remaining in attendance at Harlech. The fire service has also been monitoring the situation on the mountain near Capelulo and Braichmelyn Forest, Bethesda, in case any hotspots re-appear. The fire service has also been working with Natural Resources Wales to secure aerial support, and the government body has authorized funding for a water-bombing helicopter to be used.
