North Wales farmers were urged today to notify the region’s fire and rescue service when they are undertaking controlled burning of heather, grass bracken and gorse on their land to avoid false alarms.
Over the next few weeks staff from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service will be visiting livestock markets in Ruthin, St Asaph, Mold, Gaerwen, Bryncir, Llanrwst and Dolgellau giving away torches branded with a "controlled burning" telephone number and leaflets to remind landowners how to conduct a safe controlled burn.
"This is an excellent initiative by the fire and rescue services," said Farmers’ Union of Wales Flint and Denbigh county executive officer Marian Jones. "We always urge our farmers to notify the rescue services when they are carrying out a controlled burn.
"It is a very good idea and a welcome reminder that will not only help to avoid false alarms but also to ensure the safety of livestock and wildlife."
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service are visiting the following markets on the following dates:
Ruthin - March 3
St Asaph - March 10
Bryncir - March 14
Mold - March 18
Gaerwen - March 22
Dolgellau - April 1
Llanrwst - April 14