5 appliances remain at Horseshoe Pass fires – mountain bikers asked to stay away by Association

Further updates have been provided today on the ongoing fire incident above Llangollen.

North Wales Fire and Rescue have said today: “5 appliances remain in attendance at this incident”.

“Thanks again to all those who have supported our firefighters whilst we attend this incident.”

Simon Clemence from the Ponderosa Cafe at the top of the Pass updated at 12:30pm today to say: “Great news the Main Road is OPEN! There is still a heavy police and fire-service presence so please remain cautious.” However, the Fire Service’s last update did say the road was still closed.

The Cafe was forced to evacuate last week, and now the Cafe and Gift Shop are back open for business with Simon saying they “…hope to see all our regular customers very soon”.

Wrexham.com saw several mentions of a rumour stating a request to dig fire breaks on the mountain/moor area by the fire service was refused by Denbighshire Council.

We fact checked the Facebook rumour with Denbighshire Council, who told us it was not the case: “Our countryside service teams have been out assisting the Fire and Rescue Service since the first fires broke and teams have been working tirelessly ever since.

“We have responded positively to all requests from the Fire and Rescue Service. We have provided our own specialist fire fighting equipment to assist the efforts and provided training to the firefighters. We have also been digging fire breaks, working closely with fire and rescue teams and colleagues from Natural Resources Wales to try and prevent the fire from spreading.

“The Council is proud of its countryside teams and their efforts. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty and were determined to play their part in assisting colleagues in the firefighting efforts.”

The North Wales Mountain Bike Association have also asked for connected ‘help and support’, giving their own Horseshoe Pass update, “The moorland is still smouldering and there remains lots of deep ash. In order to return the area to some sense of normality the re-opeing of the main road is planned. However the moorland is unsafe with very hot ground and deep burn and there have been incidents of both walkers and mountain bikers being found crossing the burn area whilst the fireman are working to control it.

“In order to address these safety concerns it is now proposed to suspend the current open access status of the whole common and close a number of rights of way for a few days whilst the fire area is made safe.

“Can everyone please try to support our emergency services by not going onto the mountain for any reason until the area is declared safe. The Police will be taking action against anyone found ignoring the closures.”

Top pic: Fire crews on scene last week sent to us by Chloe.