Rhinogydd fire: Firefighting helicopter brought in to tackle North Wales wildfire
A specialist firefighting helicopter has been deployed to tackle an ongoing wildfire in the Rhinogydd mountains in North Wales.
Natural Resources Wales (Nrw) confirmed the aircraft will support firefighting efforts against the blaze, which has been burning for more than a week.
The deployment comes as North Wales and the Upper Severn region recently became the first region in the UK to declare a drought situation.
The declaration follows widespread dry conditions and record-breaking heatwaves that have affected much of the country this summer.
A spokesman said on Thursday: “We can now confirm that a specialist firefighting helicopter will be deployed to Rhinogydd tomorrow morning to support the ongoing response to the bushfire.
“This follows sustained efforts to secure air support during a period of extraordinary demand resulting from bushfire events elsewhere in the UK.
“The helicopter will make a vital contribution to the response, working alongside the dedicated efforts of our own teams and those of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service who have supported the response on site from the beginning.
“For over a week our staff, contractors and partners have been working around the clock to respond to this incident and we will continue to support our North Wales Fire and Rescue Service colleagues over the coming days.”
Nrw confirmed the helicopter was already on site to be directed by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to support the firefight.
On Thursday, Sian Gwenllian, Welsh Government cabinet minister for local government, housing and planning, said emergency services were continuing to respond to “significant fires” in Rhinogydd and Blaenavon in South Wales.
He said: “The fires in Rhinogydd and Blaenavon are currently the two most significant bushfire events in Wales.
“Both are active and managed reflecting the efforts of the people involved.
“Other bushfires have been successfully contained and are now being monitored and extinguished, which demonstrates both the hard work, expertise and professionalism of our fire department.”
“The fire at Blaenavon is currently the priority for ground operations,” the cabinet minister added.
“The incident produced a significant amount of smoke which I know will be concerning to members representing the area and residents.
However, authorities reported that there is currently no danger to life and property safety.
“The fire is expected to continue for several more days and firefighters remain on scene to prevent the fire from spreading further and putting lives, wildlife and property at risk.”
