Smoke Signals: Wildfires Spark Worry as Ash Drifts Across County Skies

Wildfires are becoming a serious concern for fire services in the West Country, as smoke from a large blaze in Wales drifted across Gloucestershire and other areas. On Sunday, Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service received over a hundred calls from residents who smelled smoke and were worried about a possible fire nearby. Fire crews were sent out across the county to investigate, but they soon discovered that the smoke was actually coming from a wildfire in Wales, not from Gloucestershire itself. Group manager Richard Jackson Lockyer described wildfires as an 'emerging threat' and said the fire service is very worried about the possibility of similar fires breaking out in their area.

The wildfire started near the Llangynidr Reservoir in South Wales on Saturday afternoon. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported the incident and dispatched a helicopter to help tackle the flames. The fire was so intense that smoke and ash were blown over the Bristol Channel, reaching places like Quedgeley, where residents reported ash falling from the sky. Firefighters expect to be working at the scene for several more days, as the wildfire has been declared a major incident. The smoke caused confusion and concern in Gloucestershire, Bristol, North Somerset, and Frome, where fire services received numerous calls from people worried about the air quality and the risk of fire.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service advised residents to keep windows and doors closed if smoke was noticeable, as a precaution. They also urged people to be extra careful during the current dry weather, which increases the risk of fires. Anyone who sees or suspects a fire should call 999 immediately and ask for the fire and rescue service. Firefighters in Gloucestershire are now training more officers to deal with wildfires, preparing for similar situations in the future. The fire service is asking everyone to stay alert and help prevent fires, as wildfires are becoming a new and challenging threat in the region.