200 fires over weekend
MORE than 200 grass fires ripped through parts of the region over the weekend.
The blazes — several of which were started deliberately, were each tackled by crews of up to six firefighters.
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A firefighter tackles a grassland fire near Three Crosses. GM110310K-001
A Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said there were 195 grass fires logged across Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Neath and Port Talbot between 9am and midnight on Saturday.
A further 20 had been dealt with by crews on Sunday by late afternoon.
"Many of the fires have been started deliberately," said the spokeswoman.
She added that in some locations youths were believed to be responsible, and areas that had been purposely torched included Reynoldston, Cilibion in Llanrhidian, and Penmaen.
At about 3pm on Saturday firefighters were simultaneously battling seven fires, including two in Glynneath.
Campian Gardens in Clyne, Cymmer Hill, Croeserw and Burry Green and land at the rear of the Ethnic Cuisine in Viking Way, Morriston, were also affected.
There were more than 10 in Llanelli, four in Ammanford, one in Pembrey, and one in Pontyates.
On Friday the Post revealed that grass fires had cost the fire service almost £700,000 in less than a week.
Fire chief Richard Webborn said the vast majority of fires over the past week had been deliberately started, although some of them were "controlled agricultural fires" which had got out of hand.
Mr Webborn admitted it had been a "a busy and expensive time" for the fire service.
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by Heather, Mumbles
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 10:57AM
“If they catch those who are responsible they should be given MAXIMUM (haha yes it is a joke isn't it!)jail sentences. No going soft. This is a dreadful crime.”
by Teifion, LLanregub
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 7:38AM
“and as far as Huw from ammanford even elpus!
saw something on a documentary once on telly?”
by Teifion, LLanregub
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 7:36AM
“When I saw the comment made by "evan elpus" thats what I thought :(
After a fire the countryside looks dreadful, extra co2 is produced, animals and their homes are destroyed, people have died, homes are threatened - one stupid neighbour complained that SHE was held up in traffic as the road was closed - I pointed out that these roadside fires often causedby stupid idiots throwing out their ciggy butts - she didn't like that fact as that is what she does”
by Evan Elpus, Swansea
Monday, March 15 2010, 10:00PM
“The vast majority of these fires are no threat to either life or property and could be left just to burn themselves out.”
by Anon, Swansea
Monday, March 15 2010, 9:44PM
“Phil if you look at the set up of the Mid & West Wales Fire Service. You will find the majority of stations are in fact retained, which means they are out working when they are calles to respond to fires. The mass destruction of common lands by various sources, has meant some of these stations have been out fighting fires for as much as 12 hours a day for the past week. Driving to the incidents is minimal expense as the crews usualy have to walk on foot across all terain in the dark to deal with fires. Granted there are wholetime stations dealing withsome of these calls, though I think you will find the majority of the costs mentioned are to cover the retained staff wages..”