Firefighters in north Powys have been kept busy over the past week, responding to a series of incidents ranging from grass fires and a smoking light fitting to a domestic alarm triggered by a tea towel left on a hob.
Major response to grass fire near Sarn
The largest incident came on Wednesday, August 19, when Montgomery Fire Station was mobilised to a grass fire in Sarn at 2.36pm.
The blaze involved grass and hedgerow in two locations close to the highway, prompting concerns about the potential for the fire to spread.
An assistance message was sent requesting additional resources, with the incident escalated to require three fire engines for extra manpower and water supplies. Crews from Newtown Fire Station also attended.
Firefighters used three high-pressure hose reels, a thermal imaging camera and beaters to bring the fire under control.
Quick-thinking farmer helps stop Forden blaze
A few days earlier, on Sunday, August 16, Montgomery crews were called to a grass fire near Forden.
By the time firefighters arrived, most of the blaze had already been extinguished thanks to the swift actions of a local farmer.
The fire is believed to have been caused by a spark from a transformer during a power outage.
Firefighters dampened down the area to prevent any reignition, while the electricity company was asked to inspect the transformer.
Tea towel left on hob sparks fire call
Later on Wednesday, August 19, at 5.33pm, Montgomery and Welshpool fire crews were mobilised to reports of a domestic fire at a property in Montgomery.
However, no smoke or fire was found when firefighters arrived.
After speaking with the occupant, crews established that the alarm had been activated after a tea towel had been accidentally left on a hob while cooking.
No further action was required.
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Crews investigate smoking light fitting
The following day, Thursday, August 20, firefighters from Montgomery and Welshpool attended a property in Welshpool after receiving reports of a smoking light fitting.
The fire had already gone out before crews arrived, but firefighters carried out precautionary checks to ensure there had been no fire spread within the building.
The responsible person at the site was advised to contact an electrician to investigate the fault.
Busy week for firefighters
The incidents highlight the wide variety of call-outs attended by local firefighters, from outdoor fires and electrical faults to accidental alarm activations in the home.
With dry conditions increasing the risk of grass fires during the summer months, crews continue to urge residents to take care when working outdoors and to remain vigilant around potential fire hazards.
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