A major wildfire incident was narrowly averted over the past 24 hours in Saundersfoot, after the ‘irresponsible’ use of a disposable BBQ set light to an area of wild land near a beach at the seaside village.
The Hean Castle Estate said that a major incident was narrowly avoided last night, after a disposable barbecue being used on the foreshore at Glen Beach set light to the neighbouring scrub on the edge of Rhode Wood, which along with the adjoining plantations, runs to over 100 acres.
“Fortunately, thanks to some alert members of the public on the beach who called the Fire Brigade, and a very prompt response by Firefighters from Tenby Fire Station who were able to bring the blaze under control, minimal damage was caused,” stated Hean Castle Estate.
“During the current dry conditions it is extremely irresponsible to be lighting any sort of fire or disposable barbecue in the countryside.
“We would appeal to local vendors of these items to restrict their sale until we have had some rain to reduce the fire risk.
“Our thanks as ever go to MAWW Fire and Rescue Tenby Station for their prompt and professional response,” they added.
One eye witness who saw the matter potentially unfolding, shared on social media: “I was on the beach for an evening swim on my own and must’ve left just before this has occurred.
“There were 4 or 5 young men (late teens) having a bbq on the pebbles and paddle boarding.
“I was concerned they would not put it out or take their rubbish with them but they seemed pleasant, quiet and respectful. They have clearly been careless and this reiterates the need to ban bbqs as other hot countries do.
“Even if a bbq on pebbles or rocks seems safe, there is lots of driftwood nearby and also the wooded cliffs above.”
Only last Friday (July 24) did the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority issue a fresh warning over wildfire risks for the locality, with conditions ‘exceptionally dry’ across the county.
©Images: Hean Castle Estate; Saundersfoot Connect; Saundersfoot Facebook group
