Gorse fires 'begun deliberately'

Fire fighters fighting the flames on Parys Mountain on Friday

An appeal has been made for information about a series of deliberate fires on Parys Mountain near Amlwch on Anglesey.

Firefighters were called to a gorse fire on the mountain side for the fourth consecutive day on Monday.

A spokesman for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said someone has deliberately reignited most of the fires.

Lives could be put at risk because resources might be needed elsewhere, the fire service spokesman said.

The first fire on the mountain was at 0410 BST on Friday.

We believe most of these fires are being reignited deliberately Huw Roberts, fire safety enforcement officer

Crews from Amlwch, Holyhead, Rhosneigr, Llangefni and Menai Bridge were called out again later the same day to fight fires on both the northern and southern sides of the mountain.

At 0302 BST on Saturday crews from Menai Bridge and Llangefni were called out to two separate fires.

Later on Saturday Amlwch fire crews were called out twice to deal with "hotspots".

On Sunday fire crews were called out three times.

Then on Monday firefighters were called out four times during the morning and afternoon.

Endangering lives

"Some of the fires are reigniting due to high winds and the warm weather," said Huw Roberts, fire safety enforcement officer.

"I must stress however that we believe most of these fires are being reignited deliberately by persons unknown.

"These kinds of fires are endangering other people's lives by committing life saving resources that could be used elsewhere," Mr Roberts added.

The fire service is also urging people living in rural properties to cut back on vegetation nearby.

"We advise anyone living in a property within six metres of gorse or bushes to cut back the foilage to help prevent the spread of fire," said Terry Williams, county operations manager with the fire service on Anglesey.

"This could help safeguard the property and its inhabitants should a gorse fire break out," Mr Williams added.

Anyone with information is urged to contact North Wales Police on 0845 607 1002 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.