NewsFire ServiceLIVEUpdated 5 mins agoEmergency services are fighting wildfire near Sychnant Pass on Conwy Mountain, North Wales, with residents evacuated while blazes also breaking out in multiple locations across the countryThe wildfire at Sychnant Pass (Image: North Wales Live)Updated 17:19, 12 Jul 2026Residents are being evacuated as a major incident has been declared in North Wales as wildfire breaks out up and down the country.Emergency services are fighting the blaze near Sychnant Pass on Conwy Mountain following a series of heatwaves in the UK and extreme temperatures.There are other wildfires that have broken out including in Greater Manchester, Somerset and Dorset with experts saying the country faces an "exceptional risk".Service Delivery Manager Jami Jennings, of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firefighters remain on scene working in challenging conditions to contain the fire and protect surrounding communities, property, infrastructure and the environment.“The incident involves a co-ordinated response from multiple fire appliances, specialist wildfire resources and partner agencies. Due to the size and complexity of the incident, operations are expected to continue for some time. We would ask members of the public to avoid the affected area to allow emergency services to work safely and efficiently.”‌View PostView PostView PostToday17:17 BSTFire boss urges public to take care and not cause 'spark' for wildfiresDave Swallow, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) wildfire deputy lead and lead tactical adviser, says that while hot weather “significantly increases wildfire risk" they are started because "something provides the spark”.He stated: “Whether it is a disposable barbecue left behind, a discarded cigarette or even a glass bottle left in the sunshine, we all have a role to play in preventing them.“Summer should be a time for people to enjoy the outdoors but it’s important not to underestimate the risks. Every year we see devastating wildfires and tragic drownings in inland water.“As more schools break up for the summer holiday, we’re asking people to enjoy the warmer weather safely, look out for one another and take simple steps to help prevent avoidable tragedies.”Today17:11 BSTHuge plumes of smoke coming from wildfire in SomersetHuge plumes of smoke have been seen coming from wildfire in the Ilminster area of Somerset with five fire crews at the sceneChard Fire Station were called to reports of the fire in the Winterhay Lane area and crews from Chard, Martock, Yeovil, and Taunton fire stations were mobilised to the scene.On arrival they found a significant area of Conifer trees, hedgerow, grassland, and an electricity pylon well alight, which was spreading rapidly due to the dry conditions.Photos shared by Chard Fire Station showed a large amount of smoke pouring into the air as the fire raged through the countryside, causing damage to charred trees and hedgerows.Today17:04 BSTUK at 'exceptional' risk of wildfires as heatwave continuesParts of the UK are at “exceptional” risk of wildfires as the heatwave continues, experts have warned.Areas in southern England and the Midlands are highlighted as being at highest risk, according to Natural England.Its fire severity index shows the area of “exceptional” risk is set to increase and spread to the South East and east of England by the middle of the week while most of the rest of England and Wales is deemed to be of “very high” risk over the coming days.The Met Office has said the scorching heatwave conditions experienced by much of the UK are due to last into the coming week, with most areas expected to stay dry, sunny and very hot.Moorland fires continue to rage above Dovestone Reservoir(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)Today16:42 BSTCouncil advises residents to evacuate due to smokePenmaenmawr Town Council said: "Emergency services have advised that residents in parts of Capelulo, around the Fairy Glen public house, should evacuate the area due to smoke. Residents in the affected area are asked to leave safely and follow the instructions of the emergency services on scene."Following advice from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the place of safety for evacuated residents has now been moved. Penmaenmawr Golf Club is now closed, and The Gladstone is now acting as the designated place of safety for residents affected by the precautionary evacuation."This remains a precautionary measure due to smoke being carried by the wind. Residents in the affected area should continue to follow the advice of the emergency services."Please continue to avoid travelling to the area unless essential, allowing emergency services to carry out their work safely and without obstruction."Penmaenmawr Town Council remains in direct contact with the emergency services and will continue to share updates as they are received."Today16:21 BSTNorth Wales Police says major incident declaredA statement from North Wales Police reads: "A major incident has been declared by emergency services tackling a large-scale wildfire near Sychnant Pass on Conwy Mountain."And another message states: "The road is currently closed on Conwy Old Road, Dwygyfylchi, due to a fire. Additionally, can local residents please keep all doors and windows closed for the time being, thank you."Today16:15 BSTWarning for motorists from 'significant amount of smoke'A statement from Traffic Wales North & Mid on X reads: "Fire Warning (Northen Coast) A large fire has been reported on Sychnant Pass Road / Conwy Mountain. The fire service is attending the scene."A significant amount of smoke is drifting across parts of the North Wales coast. If you're travelling in the area, take extra care."Content cannot be displayed without consentToday16:11 BSTPeople told to keep windows and doors closedFire crews are continuing to tackle a serious blaze on the Sychnant Pass in Conwy.The incident started early this morning and comes after days of hot and dry weather.The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "We are aware of the incident on Conwy Mountain. If you are local close all windows and doors. Thank you."Thick smoke can be seen coming from the wildfire(Image: North Wales Live)Today16:07 BSTFire service says operation 'expected to continue for some time'Service Delivery Manager Jami Jennings, of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Firefighters remain on scene working in challenging conditions to contain the fire and protect surrounding communities, property, infrastructure and the environment.“The incident involves a co-ordinated response from multiple fire appliances, specialist wildfire resources and partner agencies. Due to the size and complexity of the incident, operations are expected to continue for some time. We would ask members of the public to avoid the affected area to allow emergency services to work safely and efficiently.”‌