Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village reopens after being damaged by fire in 2025

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://globalnews.ca/news/11852109/ukrainian-cultural-heritage-village-reopening/

GOWER: Fire crews tackle two wildfires in 24 hours -Fairwood Common and Cefn Bryn – as bank holiday fire risk soars

Fire crews have tackled two major wildfires on the Gower Peninsula within 24 hours, with blazes breaking out at both Fairwood Common and Cefn Bryn as Natural Resources Wales warns of peak bank holiday fire risk.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service say that the first fire broke out at Fairwood Common at 7.50pm on Wednesday 29 April, when a crew from Swansea West Fire Station tackled a wildfire across approximately four hectares of grass, bracken and trees. Strong winds and difficult terrain hampered progress. The crew left the scene at 10:08pm

The fire service said that a larger fire then broke out on Cefn Bryn at 1.10pm on Thursday 30 April — crews from Swansea Central, Swansea West and Reynoldston were called to a wildfire across approximately 35 hectares of grass and gorse, using three hose reel jets alongside wildfire beaters and blowers. They left the scene at 5.14pm.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews faced difficult conditions at both incidents. “This incident was especially challenging as strong winds and terrain hampered the progress made by crew members,” the spokesperson said of the Fairwood Common fire.

Dramatic aerial images taken by Sol Cinema show a wide fire front tearing across the dry grassland of the common, with a thick wall of orange flame and a huge plume of grey smoke visible for miles around. Fairwood Airport sits nearby on the common.

It comes as Natural Resources Wales warns that the May bank holiday weekend brings some of the highest wildfire risk of the year – with dry conditions, warm temperatures and thousands of extra visitors heading to open countryside creating the perfect conditions for fires to take hold and spread fast.

Gower has been hit by a string of devastating grass fires in recent months. In April, seven fire crews fought a 120-hectare blaze on Cefn Bryn as high winds turned the fire into a monster. In February 2025, firefighters were called to two separate 100-hectare fires on Gower in a single day, and Bishopston Community Council launched an emergency appeal after a fifth woodland fire broke out in the area within weeks.

Tonight’s fire adds to the pressure on a fire service already stretched by the huge commercial waste fire still burning at Water Street in Port Talbot, which has had multiple appliances tied up since yesterday.

Fairwood Common is part of the Gower National Landscape – the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which this month celebrates its 70th anniversary. Its dry grass and heathland make it one of the most fire-prone stretches of land in south Wales, particularly during warm bank holiday weekends when visitor numbers spike.

Natural Resources Wales urges anyone heading to the countryside this weekend not to light open fires or disposable barbecues on commons, moorland or woodland. Any fire should be reported immediately by calling 999.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Gower: Seven fire crews tackle 120-hectare blaze on Cefn Bryn as windy conditions hamper efforts
Our coverage of the major Cefn Bryn fire in April 2026.

Firefighters tackle grass fires as far as 100 hectares wide in Gower twice in one day
Two major Gower fires in a single day in February 2025.

Firefighters tackle fire 100 hectares wide in Gower
The previous day’s blaze that preceded the twin fires.

Bishopston Community Council launch appeal after fifth fire at woodland in a matter of weeks
Growing alarm about repeated fires on Gower.

Port Talbot: Schools keeping pupils indoors as fire crews remain on scene at Water Street blaze
MWWFRS are simultaneously managing the ongoing Port Talbot industrial fire.

GOWER: Seven fire crews tackle 120-hectare blaze on Cefn Bryn as windy conditions hamper efforts

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service say they received the call at 10.47am on Tuesday 7 April. Crews from Swansea West, Gorseinon, Morriston, Llanelli, Reynoldston, Port Talbot and Pontarddulais fire stations all attended the scene.

Cefn Bryn is a prominent ridge running through the heart of the Gower peninsula, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its heathland and wildlife habitats. At 120 hectares — the equivalent of around 170 football pitches — Tuesday’s fire is the largest recorded on the ridge in recent years, surpassing the 100-hectare blaze that struck the same area in February 2025.

The service say firefighters used wildfire beaters, blowers, knapsacks and hose reel jets to bring the blaze under control. A water bowser from Port Talbot Fire Station also attended to support crews on the ground.

The fire proved especially challenging, the service say, because windy conditions caused unpredictable fire behaviour that repeatedly hampered progress. Warm weather and the sheer length of the operation placed significant physical demands on firefighters throughout the day.

The final crews did not leave the scene until 5.32pm — almost seven hours after the first call.

Gower’s common land has a history of deliberate fires during the spring months. Last April, a wild pony known locally as Henry died in a deliberately set fire near Copley Woods in Bishopston — the fifth fire in the same area within weeks — prompting an appeal from Bishopston Community Council and widespread public anger.

In a statement, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service warned that this time of year carries particular risks. “At this time of year, grass and mountainsides can dry out quickly,” the service said. “Even a small spark — accidental or deliberate — can escalate into a fast-moving fire capable of destroying habitats, landscapes, and homes within minutes.”

Tackling fires across Gower’s open moorland presents particular logistical challenges. The service has invested in specialist wildfire equipment in recent years, including an all-terrain vehicle fitted with an ultra-high-pressure pump and 300-litre water tank designed to reach areas inaccessible to conventional fire engines.

The fire comes amid growing concern about wildfires across Wales. According to the Wales Wildfire Board, fire services attended 3,474 grass fire incidents in Wales in 2025 — a 275% increase on the previous year. The most alarming trend was in deliberate fires, which rose to 2,357 incidents, up 256% and the highest number recorded since 2018.

The service is urging the public to follow the Wales Wildfire Board’s #WildfireWise guidance and take extra care when visiting the countryside during dry and windy conditions.

Anyone with information about the cause of the Cefn Bryn fire is asked to contact Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Firefighters tackle grass fires as far as 100 hectares wide in Gower — twice in one day
Five crews tackled two separate 100-hectare grass fires over the Cefn Bryn and Reynoldston area in a single day in February 2025.

Bishopston Community Council launch appeal after fifth fire at woodland in a matter of weeks
A wild pony known as Henry died in a deliberately set fire on Gower’s common land, prompting an urgent public appeal and widespread anger.

New firefighting all-terrain vehicle launched to help tackle rural fires and rescues
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service introduced specialist all-terrain wildfire fighting equipment to tackle blazes in inaccessible rural areas.

Fire service issue arson danger warning
The fire service issued a warning about the dangers of deliberately set fires following a series of incidents across the region.

Experts warn rising temperatures and extremely dry conditions contribute to unprecedented wildfire danger in the UK
Climate experts warned that rising temperatures and dry conditions are increasing the risk of wildfires across the UK.

It's currently blowing a bit here. The ground is pretty dry. Temps are high 20's, humidity is way down. A good/bad day for a bushfire.

Aaaand right on cue.... there is a grass fire up the road. 🔥

The whole valley is suddenly paying attention.😯

#FarmLife #GrassFire

Fire crews tackle Kilvey Hill blaze as wildfire risks persist

The blaze, reported at 6.50pm on Sunday 13 July, involved two separate seats of fire, one measuring approximately 200m x 200m, the other 200m x 150m, and affected large swathes of gorse, trees and undergrowth. Crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service used knapsack sprayers, blowers and beaters to extinguish the flames, leaving the scene by 9.28pm.

This latest incident follows a 12-hectare fire in April that required multiple crews and extended dampening down efforts across the hillside. That earlier blaze prompted renewed calls for vigilance and raised concerns about the impact on wildlife habitats and community safety.

A hill under pressure

Kilvey Hill has long been a focal point for both conservation and development. The site is currently earmarked for the Skyline Swansea leisure destination, a £35–£40 million project led by New Zealand-based Skyline Enterprises. Plans include a gondola lift, zipline, luge runs, sky swing, and hilltop restaurant, with developers pledging to retain and improve public access across the hill.

Skyline says the attraction will occupy approximately 9% of Kilvey Hill, with existing walking trails upgraded, new mountain biking routes added, and a free adventure playground introduced. The company has committed to a net biodiversity gain, including the planting of 122 mature trees and 68,000 shrubs and saplings, in consultation with Natural Resources Wales.

However, the development has faced opposition from campaigners and environmental groups, who argue that the scale of the project could disrupt the hill’s ecology and community use. Critics point to the hill’s designation as a quiet area and its role as a green space for East Swansea residents, many of whom lack access to other countryside areas.

Skyline maintains that free, unhindered access will continue, and that the project will open up the hill to a wider cross-section of the public, including those with mobility challenges.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Firefighters continue to dampen down 12-hectare Kilvey Hill fire
Crews battle extensive blaze across the hillside, prompting safety warnings and community concern.

Council approves plan for Skyline development
Swansea Council backs leisure attraction on Kilvey Hill, despite objections and ecological concerns.

Developer says retained access part of Kilvey Hill Skyline leisure destination proposals
Skyline Enterprises pledges to maintain public access and enhance trails as part of its plans.

Wildfire risks and community safety

The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service continues to urge caution through its #WildfireWise campaign, which aims to reduce the number of grass fires across Wales. In 2024, crews responded to 977 grass fire incidents, with deliberate fires down 44% compared to the previous year.

The campaign encourages residents to report suspicious activity, avoid risky behaviours like outdoor burning, and take extra care during dry conditions. The service also works with landowners to promote safe land management practices and biodiversity-friendly burning techniques.

Andrew Wright, Chair of the Wales Wildfire Board, said:

“We want to work with our communities, farmers, and landowners to share our knowledge and understanding of the effect that both deliberate and accidental fires have on our communities.

Controlled burns can have a positive effect on the environment, but they must be done safely and within legal guidelines.”

For more on wildfire safety and prevention, visit the #WildfireWise campaign page.

#fire #grassFire #KilveyHill #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #Swansea #WildfireWise

Late-night Glyncorrwg grass fire started deliberately say fire service

The six hectare, or almost 15 acre grassfire was started late on Monday evening (28 April) and saw firefighters spend around two hours tackling the blaze with beaters and blowers.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 11.06pm on Monday, April 28th, the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Cymmer and Neath Fire Stations were called to an incident in Glyncorrwg in Cymmer.

“Supported by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, crews responded to a grass fire involving approximately six hectares of grassland. Crews utilised beaters and blowers to extinguish the fire. Crews left the scene at 1.02am on Tuesday, April 29th.

“It is believed that this fire was started deliberately.”

Devastating grass fires have dominated the headlines in recent weeks, along with some high-profile arson attacks on empty buildings such as Port Talbot’s Bethany English Calvinistic Methodist Chapel.

The fire service added that: “Arson is a serious criminal offence which can potentially cause large-scale damage and even loss of life. 

“Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has a variety of arson reduction and fire setting prevention programmes to protect the communities it serves.”

#Arson #Cymmer #Glyncorrwg #grassFire #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService

Firefighters continue to dampen down 12 hectare Kilvey Hill fire

Firefighters from 10 stations across Swansea, Carmathenshire and Neath Port Talbot were called to the massive grass fire on Kilvey Hill just before 10pm on Wednesday night (9 April).

Firefighters are still damping down the scorched hillside over 12 hours later.

South Wales Police urged people to keep their windows and doors closed and to avoid the area where possible.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 21:47pm on 9th April, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service were called to reports of a grassfire at Kilvey Hill, Swansea.

“Crews from Swansea Central, Swansea West, Ammanford, Port Talbot, Morriston, Reynoldston, Pontardulais, Neath, Gorseinon and Pontardawe Fire Stations were in attendance. 

“At it’s height the grassfire, covering an area of grass and gorse was 12 hectares,  fire crews utilised a ground monitor and drone, and sectorised the fire.  Then continued to extinguish the fire using a number of main jets and hose reel jets.  

“Crews remain on scene to dampen down and monitor.” 

The fire service say that it has attended 192 grass fires in the past week, with 13 of those over 10 hectares or 25 acres in size.

The fire service spokesperson added that: “Such large-scale incidents require extensive resources and coordination to manage effectively.”

Plans for a new leisure destination by New Zealand company Skyline were recently approved by city planners on Kilvey Hill.

(Lead image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

#grassFire #KilveyHill #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService #Swansea

Firefighters tackle grass fires as far as 100 hectares wide in Gower twice in one day

A crimson scene lit up the sky for miles as crews tackled the fires, one just before dawn and the second 12 hours later.

The first was dealt with the crews dividing themselves into two sectors between them to bring the blaze under control.

They remained there for almost five hours, using beaters and backpack blowers to extinguish the flames.

The evening fire (lead image) could be seen as far as parts of Llanelli with local residents of Three Crosses and Upper Killay concerned with the rapid spread of the blaze.

Road closures were put in place in the area at just before dusk as two fire units tackled the fire which the cause of has yet to be disclosed.

In a separate incident, crews were also called to a blaze near Pontardawe Road, in Ammanford where 15 hectares were on fire, but the blaze has since been put out.

Images show the extent of the blaze on Mynydd y Betws which borders Carmarthenshire and Swansea.

Firefighters attended the scene with two fire engines shortly before 2am on Wednesday, February. It took around two hours to control the fire, which covered an area of around 25 acres. A Spokesperson said the cause of the Betws fire was “unknown”.

A spokesperson for Mid and West Wales Fire Service speaking over the Gower fires said:

“At 5.15am on Tuesday, February 18, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Gorseinon, Pontarddulais, Reynoldston, Swansea Central and Swansea West fire stations were called to an incident in Cefn Bryn, Gower.

“The crews responded to a grass fire covering approximately 100 hectares. The incident was sectorised into two sectors and crews utilised beaters and backpack blowers to extinguish the fire. Crew members left the scene at 9am.”

The Fire Service this morning added:

“At 17:31 on Tuesday, 18th February, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews from Reynoldston, Swansea West and Morriston Fire Stations were called to an incident in the Reynoldston area, Swansea.

“The crews responded to a grass fire covering approximately 50 hectares. The crews utilised beater blowers, two hose reel jets and one wildfire unit to extinguish the fire.

“Road closures were put in place in the area at 17:53.

“Crews left the scene at 20:51.”

[Lead image: Mid and West Wales Fire Service]

#CefnBryn #featured #grassFire #MidAndWestWalesFireAndRescueService