Carmarthenshire wildfire evacuation: Homes cleared as fire spreads

Firefighters continue to tackle a large scale wildfire in Carmarthenshire this morning, affecting around 250 hectares of land in the Rhandirmwyn area near Llandovery

Due to the scale, complexity and potential impact of the wildfire -a ‘Major Incident’ was declared by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service yesterday evening (August 13) with firefighters at the scene as part of a coordinated multi-agency response, with crews continuing to work to contain the fire and protect nearby communities.

Since 12:45 pm on Wednesday, August 12, fire crews have been responding to the incident

A multi-agency Tactical Coordination Group (TCG) has also been established to coordinate the response, support affected communities and ensure a joined-up approach between emergency services and partner organisations.

A number of homes have been evacuated as a precaution, while Carmarthenshire County Council has opened a rest centre at Llandovery Leisure Centre for residents who have been displaced.

Firefighters have been working throughout the incident to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further. Crews remain at the scene carrying out firefighting operations, while continuing to monitor and control affected areas.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service stated this afternoon (August 14): “Crews remain at the scene of the wildfire in the Rhandirmwyn area, near Llandovery, as firefighting operations continue for a third day.

“The Major Incident declared yesterday remains in place, with a multi-agency Tactical Coordination Group (TCG) continuing to coordinate the response, support affected communities and ensure a joined-up approach between emergency services and partner organisations.

“Firefighters have worked throughout the night and into today to contain the fire, tackle hotspots and prevent further spread. Crews remain on scene carrying out firefighting operations while closely monitoring conditions across the affected area.

“As a precaution, several residential properties remain evacuated due to the fire's proximity. Agencies continue to work together to support those affected.

“Road closures remain in place around the affected area to support firefighting operations and maintain public safety. Members of the public are asked to respect these closures and follow signed diversion routes.

“Carmarthenshire County Council's rest centre at Llandovery Leisure Centre will remain available throughout today for residents impacted by the evacuation arrangements,” they added.

A spokesperson for the Local Authority stated: “Due to a forest fire near Llandovery, we have set up a rest centre for residents that have been affected by the wildfire at Llandovery Leisure Centre.

“A controlled evacuation of a number of properties has taken place whilst the emergency services deal with the incident.If you are attending the rest centre, please take any medication that you may require for an overnight stay.”

The community spirit in dealing with the major incident, has been commended on social media.

As the FRSA Representative for MAWWFRS, Gary Rogers commented: “On behalf of us both, may I take this time to personally thank all the community of Llandovery, in coming together to give your support and kindness in looking after the welfare of our crews, who are currently dealing with the ongoing incident and are working in difficult conditions to bring it under control and extinguish the fire.

“As a serving Firefighter myself at an On-Call station, the crews really feel and appreciate the local community spirit and the coming together to support our crews and looking after each other at such testing times! Once again Diolch!

“Rest assured MWWFRS will always do the utmost to protect our communities, that mainly our crew members live within and your support is very much appreciated.

“On behalf of the FRSA for & behalf of MWWFRS - a kind hearted thank you,” he added.

Another shared to the ‘Love Llandovery’ Facebook page, praise for local farmers in helping to tackle the forest fire - “Here’s a shot that sums up our wonderful community spirit! Everyone battling together!

“So grateful for all the farmers going above and beyond to try and beat these awful blazes!

“Here we see Gareth Carpenter spraying the fire. Gareth has four tractors and water tankers going flat out. Thank you Gareth, Wyn, Seb, Peter and everyone of you who have chosen to support the Firefighters voluntarily.”

Llanerchindda Farm Guest House has been accommodating firefighters that have been tasked from further afield to work around the clock to help combat the blaze.

“It’s been an interesting 48 hours here. As some of you may be aware there has been a forest fire in the Rhandirmwyn area which started about mid day on Wednesday, by yesterday evening it was declared a major incident by the fire brigade,” shared the Guest House.

“Here at Llanerchindda Farm Guest House - we have had a lot of smoke and falling ash but no fires nearby, the closest came to within about 1 mile of us (close enough), the fire brigade and local farmers have been working hard to keep properties safe and control the fire as best they can.

“We took the difficult decision last night to cancel all of our bookings for the weekend as we felt is wasn’t a good idea bringing more people in to an area where a major incident has been declared.

“We were asked late on last night if we could accommodate 15 firefighters coming from North Wales to relieve some of the local crews who need a break, they arrived about 10pm and had an early breakfast at 5am before heading out to start work, they will be with us again tonight.

“We would like to thank all of the emergency services and local farmers working so hard to keep us all safe. If anyone else locally needs anything please get in touch and we will do all we can to help,” they added.

Members of the public are asked to avoid the affected area to enable emergency services to operate safely and effectively.

If smoke is affecting your area, please stay indoors where possible and keep windows and doors closed. Once the smoke has cleared and it is safe to do so, open windows and doors to ventilate your property.

Drivers should take extra care when travelling in the area, as smoke may affect visibility.

Members of the public are also reminded not to fly drones near the incident, as they can interfere with firefighting operations and pose a risk to emergency responders.

Those with respiratory conditions, including asthma or COPD, should ensure they have access to any medication they may require and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.

If you see flames, or believe life or property is at immediate risk, call 999 immediately.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service would like to thank local residents, partner agencies and the wider community for their continued patience, support and cooperation while crews respond to the incident.