A MAJOR incident has been declared in North Wales after a fast-moving wildfire swept across Conwy Mountain, forcing dozens of residents to leave their homes and prompting urgent public health warnings.
Firefighters continue to battle the large blaze, which broke out near Sychnant Pass on Sunday amid hot, dry and windy conditions that have created an extreme wildfire risk across much of Wales.
Emergency services ordered precautionary evacuations in the village of Capelulo as flames advanced across the mountainside. Residents were taken to a rest centre while crews worked to prevent the fire from reaching homes.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the scale and complexity of the incident meant firefighters were likely to remain at the scene for an extended period. Multiple fire appliances, specialist vehicles and partner agencies have been deployed as crews tackle the blaze across difficult terrain.
Llinos Evans from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the Sychnant Pass fire is believed to have affected more than 200 acres. She added that, at the height of the blaze, crews were battling a fire front of roughly 1.6km.
Road closures remain in place around Sychnant Pass and Old Conway Road, with the public urged to stay away from the affected area to allow emergency operations to continue safely.
On Monday, officials confirmed there were no immediate plans for further evacuations, although those already displaced were told it was too early to say when they could return home.
Two local primary schools remained closed as a precaution while emergency services continued their response.
Public Health Wales has advised residents in nearby communities, including Dwygyfylchi and Penmaenmawr, to keep windows and doors closed because of heavy smoke. People experiencing breathing difficulties have been urged to seek medical advice, while those with existing respiratory or heart conditions, older people, young children and pregnant women are being reminded they may be particularly vulnerable to smoke pollution.
Penmaenmawr Town Council have said: “We are aware that emergency services remained on site throughout the night, with crews continuing to work tirelessly to contain the wildfire and protect people, property and the surrounding environment.
“As the incident approaches 30 hours since firefighters were first deployed, we would like to express our sincere thanks to all those involved in the ongoing response.
“Until further information is received, residents are asked to continue following the advice already issued by the emergency services and to avoid the affected area to allow crews to carry out their work safely.”
The wildfire has been fuelled by prolonged dry weather and strong winds, allowing flames to spread rapidly across the mountainside. Emergency services say changing conditions continue to present significant challenges for firefighters working to contain the blaze.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely and have urged the public not to travel to the area unless absolutely necessary.
