Wildfire expected to spread due to heatwave as 36 homes evacuated

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Wildfire expected to spread due to heatwave as 36 homes evacuatedImage source, Rita RaweilyImage caption, Emergency services have been trying to contain the fires in Sychnant PassByBrendon Williams, Reporting fromreporting from Penmaenmawr and Oscar Edwards, WalesPublished12 July 2026Updated 11 minutes agoThirty-six homes have been evacuated after a major incident was declared following a wildfire in north Wales. The blaze broke out near Conwy Mountain and the Sychnant Pass in Conwy county on Sunday. About 200 acres of land had been affected, and one family forced to flee their home said the fire reached their driveway.

Anthony Jones, assistant chief fire officer for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, told Radio 4's Today programme they were expecting the fire to spread because of the heatwave. Jones said residents living nearby should keep windows and doors shut. He added that about 200 acres of land had been affected with a fire front of about 1.

The Details

6km at the height of the incident. Speaking to Radio Wales Breakfast, Llinos Evans from North Wales Fire and Rescue said it evacuated 36 properties in Capelulo, which is near the mountain, on Sunday as a 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 while they try to contain the fireThe 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.

What Experts Say

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.

"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.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.