18/04/2003

Families evacuated over south Wales grass fires

Firefighters in Wales are currently dealing one of its biggest-ever fires, which has seen up to 40 homes evacuated in Wattsville, near Newport.

Over 100 firemen are at the scene of the grass fires which began late last night and fears are mounting that the flames could spread into residential areas.

The South Wales Fire Service has received over a 1000 calls this week to deliberate fires on mountainsides and farm land.

Chief Fire Officer Brian Fraser said: “Not only are these grass fires dangerous and illegal, more importantly they are stopping our crews from being available to attend calls such as house fires and road accidents. We only have so many fire engines and firefighters available at a time, if they are up on the mountains they cannot be in the towns and villages where they may be needed to save a life. Put simply we can not be in two places at once.”

From March 15 to April 15, there have been 4,054 grass fires identified – costing the taxpayers of south Wales around £4.5 million. Most of the fires are believed to be started by youths on holiday from school and the fire service has urged parents to be vigilant and ensure their children know the dangers involved in starting grass fires.

A fire service spokesman said: "These culprits need to stop before either one of them is burnt or someone dies as a result of a fire engine not being quickly at the scene of a house fire or accident due to being delayed on a mountain.”

(GMcG)

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