Emergency services remain at the scene of a large wildfire in the seaside village of Pendine this morning, with firefighters tackling the incident since Sunday night.
Pendine Community Council described it as a ‘significant fire’ on the coastal cliff on Sunday night, which increased considerably in size.
Fire crews from Whitland, Tenby, Carmarthen, Pembroke Dock, Tumble, Narberth, Haverfordwest, Kidwelly and Llandeilo were at the scene near Morfa Bychan Beach in Pendine. from shortly after 8pm.
“Please stay well away from the cliff and surrounding area,” the Community Council advised on Sunday night.
“Do not obstruct roads or access routes – emergency services need clear access.
“Residents in the surrounding area should remain alert and be prepared to leave if instructed to do so by the emergency services.
“Please keep children and pets away from the area.”
Members of the public were also urged not to travel to the popular coastal village in Carmarthenshire, to view the fire.
“Emergency services need unrestricted access to the village and surrounding areas,” continued the Community Council.
“Additional vehicles and spectators risk blocking or delaying fire appliances and other emergency vehicles.
“It is also essential that our roads remain clear should residents and holiday guests staying within the village need to evacuate.”
Dramatic footage shared by local farmer Joe Shewry in the Friends of Pendine Facebook group sgows the power of the flames that were spreading across the area. Joe and her partner Hefin spent the night working alongside fire crews to help tackle the blaze.
Joe shared: “Well done to the firecrews and local farmers with tankers who have contained it and have it under control. It’s been an eventful evening for sure!”
Police were also in attendance and had to speak to people that were seen to still be ‘wild camping’ down Morfa Bychan who were refusing to leave
One person shared on social media: “This is purely down to irresponsible individuals having BBQs or fires. Absolutely gutted and hope there is limited loss.”
Providing an update this morning (August 17), the Community Council shared: “Although the fire is now largely contained, emergency services remain in the area and we do not want to encourage any additional traffic which could obstruct or delay emergency access.
“We ask everyone to please avoid unnecessary travel to the area and keep surrounding roads clear for emergency vehicles.
“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation, and a huge thank you to all of the emergency services who have worked throughout the incident,” they added.
Beach parking at Pendine will not be open today due to the circumstances surrounding the ongoing cliff fire.
Providing an update at 10.45am this morning, a spokesperson for Mid & West Wales Fire & Rescue Service told the Observer: “Since 8.20pm on Sunday, August 16 crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service have been responding to a large wildfire near Morfa Bychan Beach in Pendine.
“Firefighters from Whitland, Tenby, Carmarthen, Pembroke Dock, Tumble, Narberth, Haverfordwest, Kidwelly and Llandeilo Fire Stations have attended the incident and continue to work to bring the fire under control.
“Despite challenging conditions, with crews required to gain access through dense undergrowth, significant progress has been made in containing and extinguishing the fire.
“Four fire engines and one water bowser remain at the scene.
“Crews have received valuable assistance from local farmers, who have supported operations with tractors and water tankers.
“Members of the public are asked to continue to avoid the affected areas to allow emergency services to operate safely and effectively.
“If smoke is affecting your area, stay indoors where possible and keep windows and door closed. Once the smoke has cleared and it is safe to do so, open windows and doors to help ventilate your home.”
If you see flames, or believe life or property is at immediate risk, call 999.
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