Alex Whilding

Residents across North Wales and Chester received a government emergency alert warning of heightened wildfire risk amid prolonged dry conditions and high temperatures. People were urged to avoid barbecues, campfires, fireworks and other activities that could ignite vegetation, and to call 999 only when a fire is visibly burning. North Wales firefighters have been deployed to support major incidents elsewhere in Wales, while residents were warned that smoke could drift into the region.

Natural Resources Wales has placed several North Wales catchments, including the Clwyd and Dee, into drought status after exceptionally low rainfall and river flows. The designation is intended to protect the environment and does not automatically trigger household restrictions. Welsh Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy say there are currently no hosepipe bans in their North Wales service areas, although demand is elevated. Welsh Water has imposed a Temporary Use Ban in Mid and South Ceredigion because of local network capacity pressures, while Hafren Dyfrdwy reports demand 20% above normal and is asking customers to reduce consumption to help avoid future restrictions.