Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Stay clear of Horseshoe fire scene, says Ponderosa boss



* Devastation to the ground caused by the fire pictured by Simon Clemence of the Ponderosa Café.


* Fire appliances still on top of the Horseshoe Pass. Picture by Simon Clemence of the Ponderosa Café.

People shouldn't travel up to the Horseshoe Pass area unless absolutely necessary as the mountain is still smouldering after more than a week on fire.

That's the message this morning from Simon Clemence, owner of the world-famous Ponderosa Café at the summit of the pass.

They say on their Facebook page: "The main pass road is still closed. The Old Pass is open however please take care.

"We are open to the emergency services and the public but I would advise people to not travel up the pass unless absolutely necessary.

"There are still fire hotspots and the mountain is still smouldering. The devastation this fire has caused to our beautiful area is heartbreaking but hopefully now we can move forward.

"Can I just take this time to thank all emergency services involved they truly are commendable without their bravery and determination I don’t think the Ponderosa would be standing.

"So from each and everyone of us thank you so very much. Regards Simon and Samantha Clemence."

* The annual Ponderosa Fell Race, due to start from the café tomorrow evening (August 1) has just been cancelled.

Earlier this morning organiser Charles Ashley said on Facebook: "It is with regret to inform you all that this year's race is cancelled.

"Firefighters are still in the area working to put out hotspots etc etc.

"I know this will be a disappointment to you all but I’m sure you’ll understand that this is completely out of our control."

The massive operation to supply the firefighters still around the Horseshoe Pass with refreshments, being co-ordinated by Cat Meade at Wingetts estate agents in Castle Street, Llangollen, continues.

* Meanwhile, Denbighshire County Council has paid tribute to its teams of staff that have been busy supporting North Wales Fire and Rescue Service in dealing with the fires at Llantysilio Mountain.

Teams from the Countryside Service have been have been out assisting firefighting efforts since the first fires started a week and a half ago and teams have been working tirelessly ever since.

They have responded positively to all requests from the Fire and Rescue Service and have provided their own specialist fire fighting equipment to assist the efforts and supported fire fighters in its use.

Teams have also been assisting with cutting fire breaks,  working closely with fire and rescue teams and colleagues from Natural Resources Wales to try and prevent the fire from spreading.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment, said: “The fire and rescue service has been working tirelessly to deal with the fire at the location and they are to be commended for their actions.

“They have been ably assisted by our countryside teams who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect this area of outstanding natural beauty and reduce the risk of the fire from spreading to nearby properties.

“This is an example of partnership working at its best."

A number of other teams from the Council, including highways and social services have been involved in the response to the fires.




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