A fire at Maes y Pant woodland in Gresford has affected an area similar to ‘three tennis courts’ according to the chairman of the charity that owns the site.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service received a call just after 7.10am on Thursday, June 23, reporting a fire in the open at Pant Lane, in the Maes y Pant woodland.
Maes y Pant covers around 70 acres and is privately owned by the 'Maes y Pant Action Group Ltd', (MyPAG) which is a registered charity.
Ian Happs, chair of Maes y Pant/Hollowfield Action Group Ltd (MyPAG) explained how North Wales Fire and Rescue Service were at the scene for about two hours as they tackled the blaze.
The fire, he said, looked to be out but they were aware it could still be a problem and arranged to return at midday. He met them and they damped down a few areas which were still smouldering.
North Wales Fire and Rescue confirmed that they were called at 12.45pm to a small fire in the open in Pant Lane Gresford where one appliance was in attendance.
Mr Happs said: “Unfortunately, the fire re-ignited a couple of hours later and this time one of the pine trees was involved. The tree had to be cut down and we called on local firm TreeHogs, who responded very quickly and supported the fire crew to bring the blaze under control.
“Visiting the site this evening and pacing it out, an area similar to three tennis courts was affected. We don’t know how the fire started, although there is evidence of several recent ‘camp fires’ in the woodland, and it may have been something like that which got out of hand.
“Maes y Pant is owned and managed by a group of volunteers on behalf of the community. It’s a beautiful site and much appreciated by many. We would like to ask everyone not to light fires on the site at any time, and particularly during hot dry weather like we’ve had recently.
“The consequences can be significant, as we found (yesterday). We were fortunate that the emergency services and tree surgeons responded so promptly and effectively to contain and extinguish the blaze.
“Please could all our visitors help us to look after this wonderful area for the benefit of everyone.”
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