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.

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 100acres. “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.
The Hean Castle Estate stated: “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.” (Hean Estate)

“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.”

saundersfoot beach fire
The fire above the beach in Saundersfoot (Lili James/Facebook)

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.

A spokesperson for PCNPA stated: “The wildfire risk across our National Park is now VERY HIGH.

“Conditions are exceptionally dry throughout the National Park. Just one spark can start a fire that spreads rapidly, threatening people, wildlife, habitats and some of our most precious landscapes.

“The risk is real. Please take exceptional care and do nothing that could start a fire.

“If you see fire or smoke, call 999 immediately. Please help us protect the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”

Saundersfoot beach fire
The fire crews at the scene (Lili James/Facebook)

If you are spending time outdoors:

• Do not light any fires, including campfires

• Do not use disposable or portable barbecues. Pack a picnic instead

• Do not set off fireworks or release sky lanterns

• Extinguish cigarettes fully and never discard them on the ground

• Take all litter home with you

• Camp only where you have permission

On the incident in Saundersfoot, a spokesperson for the Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service told the Observer: “At 9.05pm on Sunday, July 26, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crew from Tenby Fire Station was called to an incident near Saundersfoot Harbour.

disposable BBQ
“During the current dry conditions it is extremely irresponsible to be lighting any sort of fire or disposable barbecue in the countryside,” warned Hean Castle Estate. (Stock image)

“Travelling in two fire engines, the crew responded to a wildfire affecting approximately 70 square metres of trees and bracken on a cliffside. The crew utilised one hose reel jet to bring the fire under control and to eventually extinguish it.

“The crew revisited the scene on the morning of Monday, July 27, after the fire had reignited. One extended hose reel jet and a water shuttle system was utilised to extinguish the fire.”

The crew left the scene at 9.58am.