Park Authority urges extreme caution following spate of Preseli wildfires

The Park Authority has not been involved in or informed of any of the fires that have spread out of control over the past few days, but staff have been aiding the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to navigate the areas affected by fires.

The Authority is also part of the Pembrokeshire Wildfire Group, which works with landowners and communities to take positive practical steps to minimise the impact of fires on the Park and its economy, ecology, environment, heritage and rural communities.

Park Authority Farm Conservation Officer, Arwel Evans said:

“We are urging everyone to avoid any burning due to the size and spread of the fires we have seen in recent days, following an extended period of very dry weather.

“Anyone wishing to conduct controlled burns in this area should be aware of the relevant Natural Resources Wales (NRW) guidelines, including the agreed burning plans for the Preseli Hills Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Carningli Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

“Landowners and graziers do not need permission from the Park Authority to conduct controlled burns, but we encourage them contact us in advance so we can advise them and put them in contact with the relevant groups and organisations they need permission from, such as NRW.

“It is also essential that Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Control is informed in advance on 01268 909404.”

As well as contacting local landowners and graziers to urge them not to light any fires, Authority staff have also erected signage on the open access land on the Preseli Hills to remind members of the public that no barbecues should be lit due to the high fire risk.

For more information on the Pembrokeshire Wildfire Group visit the Pembrokeshire Wildfire Group page.