The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) Cymru has expressed deep concern over the ongoing and recent wildfires ravaging rural Wales, fuelled by prolonged heat spells, record dry conditions and drought status in parts of the country.

These fires, including major blazes in the Rhinogydd mountains in Gwynedd, seen by satellite in space, (affecting an estimated 951 hectares) and Blaenavon in Torfaen (over 220 hectares), alongside incidents in other areas, are causing immediate and long-lasting damage to the agricultural sector and wider rural communities.

In Pembrokeshire, a major wildfire incident was narrowly averted in Saundersfoot on the evening of Sunday, July 26, 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, after a disposable barbecue being used on the foreshore at Glen Beach set light to the neighbouring scrub on the edge of Rhode Woods, 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.”

A major wildfire was narrowly avoided in Saundersfoot after a disposable BBQ sparked a blaze.
A major wildfire was narrowly avoided in Saundersfoot after a disposable BBQ sparked a blaze. (Saundersfoot Connect)

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.

“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.

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

“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.”

CLA Cymru represents around 3,000 members across Wales, representing more than one million acres of agricultural land (50%) in Wales, and works tirelessly to protect and shape the future of Wales’ rural landscape.

From Welsh agriculture and the regeneration of the rural economy to improving the Welsh planning system, CLA Cymru engages with members at the Senedd and at Westminster to help shape policy. Farmers and landowners across Wales are on the front line of this crisis.

Saundersfoot wildfire
The fire in Saundersfoot restarted the following morning, with Tenby firefighters in attendance. (Liz Parker/Facebook)

Vast areas of grazing land have been scorched, killing livestock and threatening their welfare and forcing many to draw on their limited winter feed supplies during already strained water resources and drought declared regions.

The loss of productive pasture, damage to internationally important habitats and risks to livestock not only undermine farm businesses but has a ripple effect through the entire rural economy, affecting supply chains, tourism and community resilience.

Victoria Bond, Director of CLA Cymru, said: “These wildfires are a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by extreme weather in our countryside. Our members, who manage much of Wales’ rural land, are working tirelessly and shoulder to shoulder alongside emergency services to protect lives, property and the natural environment.

“However, the financial and emotional toll on farming families is immense. We urge Welsh Government and relevant agencies to provide swift, targeted support for recovery, including resources for habitat restoration, compensation where appropriate and long-term strategies to build resilience against heat related risks.

“We also urge Welsh Government to urgently examine how land is used and managed across Wales and to take decisive action on vegetation management and grazing practices, so that we can better prevent and mitigate the risk of future wildfires.”

Victoria Bond, Director of CLA Cymru, said: “These wildfires are a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by extreme weather in our countryside.
Victoria Bond, Director of CLA Cymru, said: “These wildfires are a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by extreme weather in our countryside.” (CLA Cymru)

CLA Cymru stands ready to work with Welsh Government, fire services and partners like Natural Resources Wales to mitigate future risks while championing the vital role of rural businesses.

Victoria added: “The human and economic cost cannot be overstated. Many of our members are facing years of recovery on land they have stewarded for generations. We pay tribute to the bravery of our firefighters and emergency services working in incredibly challenging conditions.

“CLA Cymru calls for urgent action from policymakers to support affected communities now and to invest in practical measures that will help rural Wales. Our members are part of the solution, and their voices must be central to building a more resilient future for the Welsh countryside.”