People are being urged to refrain from lighting bonfires after a blaze destroyed a hectare of the sand dunes in Ynyslas earlier this week.

At around 3.03pm on Tuesday, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a fire in the sand dunes in Ynyslas.

Around one hectare of grass was alight, which crews extinguished using two hose reel jets and six beaters. The fire crew left the scene at 4.18pm.

Natural Resources Wales confirmed the fire service said the blaze was a result of a bonfire, and are urging members of the public not to light fires which could be “devastating to wildlife and habitats” as well as “people and property”.

Duty tactical manager for NRW, Andrea Winterton said: “We received a report from the public of a fire on the sand dunes outside Ynyslas National Nature Reserve, within the site of special scientific interest, adjacent to land that is managed and owned by us at NRW.

“NRW officers were in attendance alongside the Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire. An area of approximately 50 by 30 metres of sand dune habitat has been affected.

“The fire and rescue service believe the fire was started accidentally as a result of a bonfire. We urge the public to not to light fires.

“They can be as devastating to wildlife and habitats as they are to people and property. If you see an unattended fire – call 999 immediately.”