Gorse fire warning to land owners

Officers used beaters to douse a heather fire at Moel Famau

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has warned land owners of the dangers of "controlled burning" after a spate of gorse fires.

Firefighters have been called to several incidents following a recent dry spell.

Officers said some blazes were caused by land owners' fires burning out of control and spreading to nearby gorse.

The service has asked land owners to contact 01745 343800 before lighting controlled fires.

Spokesman Gwyn Jones said landowners should inform them of the location of the intended burn, so that the service would not waste time by attending a controlled fire.

He added: "Over recent days we have experienced many gorse and heath fires, with the current dry spell being a major factor.

"During this time we have also seen a number of incidents where controlled burning by landowners has got out of control and affected large areas of gorse and bracken.

"Quite often these fires happen in areas where access is extremely difficult and water supply is limited."

On Monday, firefighters tackled a heather blaze on mountain land at Moel Famau in Denbighshire.

Last week, at Dwygyfylchi, Conwy, gorse was set on fire in what is thought to have been an arson attack.