Public urged to keep away from wildfires as Eryri drone operators rescued

Search and rescue volunteers are urging people to stay away from wildfires, after two people trying to film with a drone were rescued.

South Snowdonia Search and Rescue team (SSSART), which covers the southern region of Eryri National Park, said the pair ignored road closures and police advice before becoming stranded, requiring a rescue that incurred “significant public expense”.

SSART said there had been an “increase” in people trying to visit the area, including incidents of wild camping, despite “repeated requests” to stay away.

Emergency services have fought multiple wildfires across north Wales in recent days, including at the Rhinogydd mountains where the smoke was visible from space.

Both North Wales Fire and Rescue and North Wales Police have asked the public to stay away from the affected areas.

On Saturday, SSART said two people had “entered [a] restricted area to obtain drone footage of the wildfires”, adding that the situation was “particularly disappointing” and their rescue “could have been avoided”.

“This rescue will have incurred significant public expense through the deployment of specialist emergency assets, including the search and rescue helicopter,” the team added.

“It has also placed demands on our team’s equipment and resources, all of which are funded through charitable fundraising and public support.”

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it was aware of similar incidents, “where people have travelled to wildfire locations and subsequently required emergency assistance”.

“The best way the public can support emergency responders is by staying away from affected areas, following official updates and respecting all road closures and safety measures that have been put in place,” the fire service added.

On Sunday, the fire service said the wildfire in the Rhinogydd mountains was now being monitored following rain overnight, with no “visible signs of flare ups”.

It said crews had come away from other areas affected, including Conwy Mountain, Bangor Mountain, Bronaber forestry and Cwmnantcol.