More than 1,300 grass fires tackled in the region

Firefighters have tackled almost 1,300 grass fires across mid and west Wales since the end of March, following a summer which saw a series of significant blazes in north Powys.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews attended 1,299 grass fires after the controlled burning season ended on March 31.

They included fires around Newtown, where crews were called to a blaze on Trehafren Hill in August which spread across the hillside close to homes and the town centre.

It came during a period of particularly dry weather which saw firefighters dealing with a number of incidents across Powys.

At the same time as the Trehafren fire, crews from across north Powys were also involved in tackling a major wildfire near Rhayader.

The fire service said prolonged dry weather and strong winds had created difficult conditions, allowing fires to spread quickly across large areas of countryside.

It said the number of incidents had placed increased demand on firefighters, Joint Fire Control operators and other emergency services.

Peter Greenslade, Corporate Head of Prevention and Protection at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We would like to remind landowners that the period for heather and grass burning under a Burn Plan ended on 15th March (31st March in upland areas).

“Adhering to these regulations is essential in helping to prevent uncontrolled fires and protect our communities, countryside and wildlife.”

Controlled grass and heather burning is not currently permitted.

The service said that while some fires were accidental, others were believed to have been started deliberately.

Mr Greenslade said: “While accidental fires can occur, we continue to see incidents where fires are being started deliberately.

“These fires place unnecessary pressure on frontline emergency services, divert resources from other incidents and put people, property, wildlife and the environment at risk.”

The warning follows one of the busiest periods for grass and wildfire incidents in the region, with crews from Newtown, Welshpool, Llanidloes and other north Powys stations called to incidents during the prolonged spell of dry weather.

Residents and visitors are being urged not to light campfires or open fires in rural or grassy areas and not to burn garden waste.

The service is also warning people to take care with barbecues and to dispose of cigarettes, matches and glass bottles responsibly because dry vegetation can ignite quickly.

Mr Greenslade added: “We would also like to thank our operational crews, support staff and Joint Fire Control colleagues for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts throughout this exceptionally busy period.”

Anyone with information about deliberately started fires can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or police on 101. In an emergency, call 999.