Holiday warning after gorse fires

The risk of gorse fires increases over the holiday period

Forestry officials have warned people of the dangers of starting grass fires over the Easter holiday.

The warning comes after fire crews battled through the night to tackle blazes across 700 square metres of National Trust land in north Wales.

With vast numbers of holidaymakers expected to visit woodlands across Wales this weekend, the public are being urged to be extra vigilant.

Forestry Commission Wales said recent dry weather had "heightened" the risks.

North Wales Fire Service tackled a series of blazes on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

The largest was reported on National Trust land near the Conwy Falls on the outskirts of Betws y Coed, Conwy.

Fire crews from Betws y Coed, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llanrwst and Porthmadog attended and the blaze which was finally extinguished on Thursday morning.

Forestry Commission Advice Don't drop cigarette butts or matches Enjoy BBQs in the countryside but use dedicated facilities Take enough water to douse the BBQ afterwards If you see a fire, dial 999 If you know who may be lighting fires deliberately, ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Firefighters also dealt with blazes at Rhosgadfan near Caernarfon in Gwynedd and on land near the Blaenau Plastics factory at Blaenau Ffestiniog on Wednesday.

Forestry Commission Wales said visitors to woods and forests must make sure cigarettes and matches were fully put out before being discarded.

"The effects of a forest fire can be devastating," said Forest District Manager for South Wales, Antony Wallis.

Hazardous to wildlife

"There is abundant flammable vegetation about and, combined with the dry weather and the fact that more people traditionally set out to enjoy days out in the woods at this time of the year, the risks of setting woodland alight are heightened."

Mr Wallis said forest fires were hazardous to wildlife, particularly ground nesting birds, small mammal and reptiles, and also hit green tourism in some areas.

He added: "We welcome visitors to our woods and forests to enjoy all the attractions that they have to offer, but we do ask that everyone takes sensible precautions.

"We simply can't be too careful."