July 23, 2026 - 172 views
A specialist firefighting helicopter is set to be deployed to the Rhinogydd mountains on Friday morning as efforts continue to tackle a major wildfire that has burned for more than a week.
The aircraft will support the ongoing response to the blaze near Harlech, working alongside crews from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and teams from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) who have been battling the fire on the ground.
The helicopter's deployment follows sustained efforts to secure aerial support during a period of exceptional demand, with wildfire incidents affecting other parts of the UK.
NRW said the specialist aircraft would make a "vital contribution" to the operation, helping crews access challenging terrain and target hotspots in the rugged mountain landscape.
The Rhinogydd wildfire is one of several incidents that have stretched firefighting resources across North Wales in recent days. Fire crews have also been dealing with fires at Conwy Mountain near Capelulo and other locations across the region during one of the driest and warmest periods of the year.
The latest development comes as large areas of North Wales, including Gwynedd, Ynys Môn, Clwyd and the Dee catchment, have recently been moved into drought status following weeks of hot, dry weather and below-average rainfall. The dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires across upland and rural areas.
NRW said its staff, contractors and partners have been working around the clock for more than a week to support the response and would continue to assist fire crews in the days ahead.
While the helicopter has been allocated to the Rhinogydd incident, authorities said its availability will continue to be reviewed in line with operational requirements across Wales and the wider UK, where other major fires may also require aerial support.
The Rhinogydd mountain range, which lies between Harlech and Barmouth within Eryri National Park, is known for its remote and challenging terrain, making firefighting operations particularly difficult.
Residents and visitors are being urged to stay away from affected areas and follow any advice issued by emergency services.
NRW also thanked firefighters, landowners, contractors and local communities for their support throughout the incident.
The arrival of the specialist helicopter is expected to provide a significant boost to efforts to contain the blaze and prevent further damage to the area's landscape, wildlife habitats and natural environment.
