Fishguard and Crymych firefighters called to grass fires at Dinas Cross and Dinas Mountain (From Western Telegraph)

Fishguard and Crymych firefighters called to grass fires at Dinas Cross and Dinas Mountain

3:43pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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Fire crews were called to two separate grass fires in the Dinas area yesterday (Tuesday).

At 6.45pm Fishguard and Crymych crews attended a fire at Dinas Cross. They remained there for around 40 minutes, using beaters to extinguish the flames.

As Fishguard were returning to station they were called out to another grass fire, this time on Dinas Mountain. It took them just under an hour to deal with the blaze, again using beaters.

Mid and West Wales fire service said that there had been a huge increase in the number of grass fires in recent weeks.

Grass Fires can have very serious consequences, these sort of fires are extremely dangerous and unpredictable, and they can quickly spread out of control," said community safety manager, David Morgan.

" Deliberate fire setting presents a serious risk of injury and death to the fire setter and also the firefighters who attend the incident to extinguish the fire".

He added that these fires were a huge drain on resources, as they are spread across difficult and sometimes inaccessible terrain and sometimes last for several days. They also damage the landscape, destroying thousands of acres of countryside, open spaces and wildlife habitat, which usually provide a major draw for tourists to the area.

Mr Morgan said many of these fires are started deliberately, but by following a few simple precautions many others could be prevented.

He urged members of the public to dispose of smoking materials, such as cigarettes, safely; clear away bottles, glasses and broken glass which can magnify the sun and start fires; never to leave camp fires or barbeques unattended and to extinguish them properly and to explain to children the dangers of playing with and lighting fires.

"If you see a grass fire, don't attempt to put it out yourself as grass fires can travel very quickly and change direction without warning," he said.

"We would ask people to report anyone they see deliberately lighting fires, or suspect of starting fires, by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. All calls are completely confidential."