July 13, 2026 - 274 views
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has now stood down the major incident declared during Sunday's Conwy Mountain wildfire after conditions improved significantly and resources were able to manage the remaining wildfire incidents across the region.
The blaze, which broke out on Conwy Mountain near Capelulo, rapidly spread across the hillside in hot, dry and breezy conditions, prompting one of the largest wildfire responses seen in North Wales this summer. At its height, dozens of specialist firefighters and wildfire appliances were deployed as crews worked to prevent the flames reaching nearby homes.
As the fire intensified yesterday, 36 properties were evacuated as a precaution and a major incident was declared, allowing emergency services and partner agencies to coordinate resources and protect residents living closest to the fire.
Firefighters remain at Conwy Mountain to monitor conditions and assess any ongoing risks, but the situation has now improved enough for evacuated residents to safely return to their homes.
Road closures around the area have been lifted, while the emergency rest centre in Llandudno Junction will remain open until 10pm on Monday to provide support to anyone who still requires assistance.
The fire service thanked residents for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the incident.
Although the immediate threat has reduced, crews have warned that the fire is likely to continue smouldering for several days and smoke may remain visible across parts of the Conwy Valley and surrounding communities. Members of the public are being asked to contact North Wales Fire and Rescue Service only if they see visible flames or if smoke becomes excessive or begins affecting nearby areas.
Residents experiencing smoke are advised to keep windows and doors closed until conditions improve before airing their homes.
The wildfire also disrupted electricity supplies to some properties after infrastructure in the area was affected. Scottish Power Energy Networks is continuing work to restore power as quickly as possible and has deployed generators where required to minimise disruption.
While the major incident has now been stood down, firefighters will remain on Conwy Mountain over the next couple of days to ensure there are no flare-ups, with crews maintaining firebreaks, damping down hotspots and monitoring changing weather conditions.
Elsewhere, firefighters remain in attendance at wildfire incidents in Braichmelyn Forestry near Bethesda and in the Rhinogydd mountain range near Harlech, where monitoring and assessment work continues.
The recent spell of prolonged dry weather has left large areas of heathland, grass and forestry across North Wales particularly vulnerable to wildfire. Fire services across Wales have responded to a series of significant grass and mountain fires in recent weeks, with emergency services repeatedly warning that even a discarded cigarette, disposable barbecue or small campfire can quickly ignite dry vegetation.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service thanked fellow emergency services, local authorities, utility companies and partner organisations for their support throughout the operation, saying their coordinated response had been vital in bringing the incident under control.
