Wildfire expected to spread due to heatwave as 36 homes evacuated

Image source, Rita Raweily Image caption, Emergency services have been trying to contain the fires By Brendon Williams , Reporting from reporting from Penmaenmawr  and  Oscar Edwards , BBC Wales Published 12 July 2026 Updated 15 minutes ago Firefighters are expecting a wildfire, which has already forced many residents to flee their homes, to spread because of the heatwave. Crews remain at the scene after the fire near Conwy Mountain and the Sychnant Pass in Conwy county broke out on Sunday. Anthony Jones, assistant chief fire officer for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, told Radio 4's Today programme the service dealt with a "serious number of significant incidents over north Wales" and declared a major incident on Sunday afternoon. Jones said the services expected to be in the area for "some time", and that about 200 acres of land had been affected with a fire front of about 1.6km at the height of the incident. One family evacuated from their home said the fire reached their driveway, coming within 200 metres of their house. The fire service has urged people to avoid the area, and told residents in nearby communities to keep windows and doors shut. Speaking to Radio Wales Breakfast, Llinos Evans from North Wales Fire and Rescue said it evacuated 36 properties in Capelulo yesterday as a safety precaution. She added that at any one time the service have had eight fire appliances, four narrow access vehicles and two wildfire units. Michelle Campbell, 44, her husband Ben, 46, and their three sons fled their home in Capelulo as the fire reached their property. "The sound was worse than anything. It was so loud, the crackling. You could hear it coming down the mountain," said Ben. He said he received a missed call at 04:30, but 30 minutes later a neighbour banged on their door and said: "The mountain's on fire above your house." Image caption, The police have closed roads in the area whilst they try to contain the fire The couple and their three boys – aged three, seven and eight – initially moved to a holiday rental they own nearby, but were forced to leave that when the fire approached. They have now rented a property on Anglesey for this week, and are awaiting an update on their home. "We have no idea what the situation is," Michelle said. "But we're safe, and the boys are okay. And we're insured." The couple said a river runs near their property, and fire crews were using it to pump water to fight the fire. "It was really scary," Michelle added. Firefighters have been working in "challenging conditions" in order to contain the fire and protect local communities, said Jami Jennings, from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. "Wildfires can spread rapidly, particularly during periods of hot, dry and windy weather," Jennings said. "We continue to ask everyone to act responsibly by avoiding the use of disposable barbecues, ensuring cigarettes are fully extinguished and reporting any signs of fire immediately by calling 999." Image source, M