Rhayader fire station thanks town's support during wildfires

A wildfire broke out on Gwastedyn Hill, above Rhayader, on Wednesday, August 12, which saw crews from 10 different fire stations respond to the scene.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS) was alerted to a wildfire in the Nant Glas area, between Rhayader and Llandrindod Wells, at around 2.30pm on Wednesday.

The fire saw bright orange flames scorch the land above the town, on Gwastedyn Hill, with the wind then sending smoke billowing town into the town, as Rhayader was engulfed by smoke.

It left the A470 into town closed for nearly two days, as crews worked around the clock to battle the blaze, with weather conditions playing havoc.

Despite their herculean efforts, it is the support they had from various others that prompted Rhayader Fire Station to post a message of thanks on its Facebook page on Saturday, August 15.

“Following the large wildfire in Rhayader this week, we’ve been completely overwhelmed by the kindness, messages and offers of support from our community,” read the post.

Wind from the fire sent smoke billowing town into the town, as Rhayader was engulfed by smoke. (Image: Steph Morgan)

“A number of people have very generously asked if they can make a financial donation directly to Rhayader Fire Station as a way of saying thank you.

“While we are incredibly grateful, please don’t make financial donations directly to the station, as we are unable to accept them.”

Instead, the fire station has suggested people wishing to donate can instead send money to either the DPJ Foundation or the Fire Fighters Charity.

“We also want to use this opportunity to say a massive thank you to our agricultural community,” said the station.

A wildfire broke out on Gwastedyn Hill, above Rhayader, on Wednesday, August 12. (Image: Builth Wells Fire Station)

“The support we have received from farmers, landowners and local businesses throughout this incident has been incredible.

“A special thank you must also go to the employers of our on-call firefighters. When the pager goes, our crews have to leave their places of work, sometimes for many hours at a time.

“Without supportive employers allowing them to respond, the on-call fire service simply couldn’t operate in the way it does.

“Thank you for releasing our crews when our community needed them.

“And behind every firefighter is a family at home. To the partners, children and families of our crews, thank you for your patience, understanding and support.

“When firefighters finally return home after long and demanding shifts, often exhausted and at unsociable hours, it’s their families who are there supporting them. Your contribution may be less visible, but it is every bit as appreciated.

Crews from 10 different fire stations responded to the outbreak of last week's fire. (Image: Matt Jones)

“To the firefighters, control staff, officers and support teams from across Wales and further afield who have worked alongside us – thank you. Wildfires on this scale are very much a team effort.

“The messages, food, drinks, encouragement and simple words of thanks from people in Rhayader and the surrounding area have meant more to us than you probably realise.

“So please, no financial donations to the station. Your support is more than enough.

“But if you are minded to give something, please support the DPJ Foundation or the Fire Fighters Charity and help two organisations that are there for our rural and firefighting communities when they need them most.”