Plaid Cymru councillors in Caerphilly have launched an appeal to the public in the wake of an outbreak of wildfires.
They have also urged parents to explain the dangers of these wildfires to their children.
Group leader Councillor Charlotte Bishop said:”I am making an urgent public plea for people across Caerphilly County Borough to take the current fire risk extremely seriously.
“We have seen fires reported in Senghenydd, Llanbradach, Newbridge and across other parts of the county, and with the current heat and dry conditions, fires can spread incredibly quickly.
“My heart goes out to everyone who has already been affected by these fires — residents who have been frightened or displaced, people worried about their homes and livelihoods, and everyone who has watched the fire spread through areas they know and love. This is an incredibly worrying time for many people, and our thoughts are with them.
“I am pleading with everyone to please be careful. If you are camping, having a barbecue or spending time outdoors, think carefully about the risks. Fires can take hold incredibly quickly in dry vegetation.
“Please make sure barbecues and fires are properly extinguished and never leave them unattended. Do not discard cigarettes or anything that could ignite dry grass, and be mindful of leaving glass bottles or reflective objects in areas of dry vegetation.
“Also, please take extra care if you have a respiratory condition or are particularly vulnerable to smoke. If there is smoke in your area, stay indoors where possible, keep windows and doors closed, and follow the advice of the emergency services.
If you see a fire, do not put yourself at risk. Move away from the area and follow official safety advice.
“I also want to pay tribute to our firefighters and everyone working on the frontline and behind the scenes to deal with these incidents. They are putting themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities, homes and countryside, often in extremely difficult and exhausting conditions.
“To our firefighters, control room staff, emergency service colleagues, council teams, volunteers and everyone supporting the response: thank you. Your work is hugely appreciated.
“And to anyone deliberately starting fires, or acting recklessly with fire: please stop. You are putting other people and yourselves at risk, as well as placing an enormous burden on our emergency services.
“At a time like this, we need to look after one another. Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours, offer support where you can, and be mindful that some people may be feeling particularly frightened or anxious.
“We cannot afford to wait until someone loses their home — or worse, loses their life.
“Please be responsible. Please be caring. Please stay safe. And please think before you light anything.”
Environmental campaigner Councillor Aneurin Minton said: “With the current heatwave and dry conditions, we all need to be extra vigilant and careful across Caerphilly a single careless spark or discarded cigarette can cause catastrophic damage in minutes.
“A massive thank you to South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and all our emergency responders who are working tirelessly in exhausting conditions to keep our communities and countryside safe. Please, let's make their job easier by acting responsibly, looking out for vulnerable neighbours, and thinking twice before lighting anything outdoors. Stay safe, everyone.”
Fellow Councillor Steve Kent said: “I would urge people to Be aware in woodland and/or open areas of dry grass. Fire in these arid conditions takes hold and spreads at frightening speed. If you smell smoke, leave. Especially if there is any wind.
“If you smoke, please be aware of discarding. Lack of moisture in vegetation makes it extremely combustible in these conditions. Even golf courses across S. Wales have banned smoking on the course.
“Please tell your children of the dangers of starting or even being near to a fire in these conditions as circumstances can change in the blink of an eye, especially if there is wind involved. Also, be aware of children coming home smelling strongly of smoke. Fires not only harm the environment but also can have life threatening consequences.”
Group Joint Deputy Leader Councillor Gary Enright urged strong action against anyone found to be starting fires. He said: “Anyone caught undertaking and purposely lighting fires should be dealt with the full weight of current legislation. Lets start calling what it is, these are arson attacks, from people who are putting the environment, workers, communities and wildlife at risk.”