Farmers' Union of Wales calls for urgent action as Rhinogydd wildfire continues to spread

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) is calling for an urgent escalation of resources and coordinated government action as the wildfire burning across the Rhinogydd mountains continues to devastate one of Wales' largest and most significant upland landscapes.

The sheer scale of the fire has shocked local communities with the fire now threatening property, livestock, grazing land and internationally important habitats.  The fire is also highlighting the increasing challenge of responding to major wildfires in remote rural areas.

The need for urgent action has been highlighted by the Farmers’ Union of Wales to several politicians at the Royal Welsh Show, including representatives from the Welsh Affairs Committee.

FUW President Ian Rickman said: "Our thoughts are with the firefighters, emergency services, local residents and farming families who have been dealing with this fire under incredibly difficult conditions.

"The scale of this wildfire is deeply concerning. The Rhinogydd is not only an internationally important landscape for wildlife, but also a working landscape that supports farming families who have cared for these uplands for generations. The impact of a fire of this magnitude will be felt for years through the loss of grazing, damage to habitats, risks to livestock and will have a knock-on effect on the wider rural economy."

FUW Meirionnydd County Chair, Gwion Rowlands, said the scale of the incident had caused widespread concern throughout the local community.

"The sheer size and duration of this wildfire are unlike anything many people in the area can remember. Our immediate concern is for everyone whose properties, livestock and livelihoods are at risk while the fire continues to burn.

"This is an exceptional incident that requires an exceptional response. Every available resource should be considered to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible.”