On Tuesday, 26 August 2025, a significant wildfire erupted behind Maes Du Golf Club on Cwm Mountain, Llandudno, sending dense plumes of smoke across the region and prompting an extensive emergency response by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. The incident quickly became a matter of public concern as residents and travellers witnessed flames rising on the mountainside, with firefighters working tirelessly to contain the spread and protect surrounding communities.
Incident Location and Outbreak of the Blaze
The fire ignited on Cwm Mountain, directly behind Maes Du Golf Club, an area characterised by dry vegetation, open hillsides, and proximity to residential zones. Given the hot and dry weather conditions in late August, the blaze spread rapidly, with flames and smoke visible from considerable distances.
Local witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke drifting across Llandudno, obscuring parts of the town and raising fears for both the golf club grounds and nearby homes. Emergency calls were made shortly after midday, and fire crews were immediately dispatched to the site.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Deployment
A large-scale firefighting operation was launched, involving multiple appliances and wildfire units from across North Wales. In total, nine fire appliances and two specialist wildfire units were mobilised:
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Two appliances from Llandudno
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Two appliances from Colwyn Bay
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One appliance each from Denbigh, Bangor, Prestatyn, Holywell, and Rhyl
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Two wildfire units from Abergele
The scale of the response underlined the severity of the incident and the potential risks posed to local communities, infrastructure, and the natural environment. Crews faced challenging conditions on the mountain terrain, working against shifting winds and rapidly moving flames.
Firefighting Challenges on Cwm Mountain
Containing a wildfire on open mountain terrain presents unique obstacles. Firefighters were forced to deploy both hose reel jets and beaters to prevent the blaze from spreading further. The steep gradients, coupled with dry undergrowth and gusty winds, complicated suppression efforts.
Visibility was also affected by the thick smoke clouds, creating risks for both responders and nearby residents. Emergency services established a safety perimeter to prevent onlookers and passers-by from approaching the hazardous area.
By the late afternoon, crews were still working extensively to dampen hotspots and prevent the fire from reigniting. It is understood that firefighters remained on scene into the evening to monitor conditions and ensure containment.
Public Safety Advice and Evacuation Measures
As the fire intensified, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service issued urgent public safety advice. Residents in Ffordd Maenan and Bodnant—two residential streets most affected by the smoke—were advised to:
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Keep all windows and doors closed to reduce smoke inhalation.
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Avoid using outdoor spaces until the smoke had cleared.
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Refrain from unnecessary travel near Cwm Mountain and Maes Du Golf Club.
The public was also urged to stay well away from the affected area, both for their own safety and to allow fire crews unrestricted access to carry out their operations. Police supported firefighters by closing certain access roads and directing traffic away from the scene.
Impact on Local Residents and Environment
The Llandudno community experienced significant disruption as smoke spread across parts of the town. Many households reported a strong smell of burning vegetation, with some residents experiencing irritation to the eyes and throat.
Beyond human impact, there are growing concerns about the environmental damage caused by the blaze. Fires of this magnitude can devastate local wildlife habitats, destroy vegetation, and leave long-lasting scars on the hillside. Experts warn that recovery could take years, with knock-on effects on biodiversity and soil quality.
The blaze also raised concerns for air quality in the immediate vicinity, with vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions particularly at risk.
Ongoing Response and Monitoring
Throughout the day, fire crews continued to battle the blaze, rotating personnel to manage exhaustion and deploying equipment strategically to suppress advancing flames. Incident command units coordinated the response, ensuring communication across the multiple teams involved.
By late evening, the fire had been largely contained, though crews remained on site overnight to monitor hotspots and conduct damping down operations. These efforts were crucial to prevent flare-ups, particularly given the continuing dry conditions.
North Wales Fire and Rescue confirmed that further updates would be issued via official channels, with residents encouraged to follow developments closely.
Community Support and Emergency Preparedness
The incident highlighted the importance of community awareness and preparedness during wildfire events. Local authorities urged residents to familiarise themselves with safety protocols, including:
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Immediate evacuation routes in case of rapid fire spread.
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Safe assembly points away from high-risk zones.
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Basic fire prevention measures, such as refraining from outdoor burning during dry spells.
In addition, the event served as a reminder of the increasing prevalence of wildfires in the UK due to climate change, with hotter summers and extended dry periods heightening the risk of such incidents.
Historical Context of Fires on Cwm Mountain
This is not the first time that Cwm Mountain near Llandudno has experienced a fire outbreak. In previous summers, smaller blazes have been recorded, often linked to discarded cigarettes, barbecues, or natural ignition in dry undergrowth. However, the scale of the August 2025 wildfire was notably more severe, demanding a far greater emergency response.
Officials are expected to investigate the precise cause of the fire, though at this stage it remains unclear whether it was accidental, deliberate, or weather-related.
Looking Ahead: Preventing Future Wildfires
Following incidents like this, authorities emphasise the need for ongoing public cooperation in reducing wildfire risk. Preventative measures include:
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Responsible disposal of smoking materials
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Avoiding open flames and barbecues in vulnerable areas
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Reporting any signs of fire immediately to emergency services
Community awareness campaigns and increased patrolling of at-risk areas may also form part of the long-term strategy to mitigate wildfire threats across North Wales.
Conclusion
The wildfire behind Maes Du Golf Club on Cwm Mountain, Llandudno, on 26 August 2025, demonstrated the scale of challenges faced by fire services in protecting both communities and the environment. Thanks to the rapid and coordinated response of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the situation was brought under control, though its impact on residents, wildlife, and the landscape will be felt for some time.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by wildfires in the UK and underscores the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and community cooperation during such emergencies.
