Visiting the Great Outdoors? Mountain Rescue Warn Hikers to Be Aware of Wildfires and to Take Care

Mountain rescue teams in North Wales are advising people thinking of taking advantage of the warm weather in the great outdoors to plan ahead to stay safe.

The extreme heat has increased the risk of fire, and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, alongside other agencies, are already committed to tackling a number of outbreaks in the region.

North Wales Mountain Rescue Association (NWMRA) Operations Officer Iain Ashcroft says,

“When thinking what route you will take, also take time to check the latest update from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and other agencies, regarding which routes and footpaths may be closed due to fire or the prevalence of smoke – and avoid those areas.

Fire spreads quickly and remote terrain can be difficult to access for emergency teams like mountain rescue if you need help, and downright dangerous and impassable if you have ventured onto a route impacted by fire. Remote terrain can also be difficult to escape from if an incident occurs, so it’s really important that you choose a route which avoids any fire impacted areas.”

It’s not just about avoiding potentially dangerous stretches of land – people are also being asked to act responsibly and not increase the risk of further fires. The Fire and Rescue Service have cautioned people about using disposable barbeques, and ensuring that cigarettes and other smoking materials are disposed of safely.

Iain continues,

“Everyone who makes a journey over the next few days has the ability to keep themselves safe, and not put others at risk, by planning ahead and acting on the advice available.”

While mountain rescue teams are not currently engaged in tackling outbreaks of fire in remote areas, they remain on call 24/7 to respond to calls for assistance from people lost or injured in the remote areas of North Wales. If you need the assistance of mountain rescue, please call 999 and ask for the police who will then alert the nearest mountain rescue team.

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North Wales Mountain Rescue Association comprises nine teams working together to cover the region and include some of the busiest areas in England and Wales. They are:

• Aberdyfi Mountain Rescue Team
• Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team
• Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team
• Mon-Sar
• North East Wales Mountain Rescue Team
• North Wales Cave Rescue Organisation
• Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation
• SARDA Wales
• South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team