Category: Latest News

Fire Service – hot weather guidance

Here is Fire Service guidance regarding fire safety, driving and outdoor swimming during hot weather.

We are urging people to enjoy the sunshine safely and take extra care around open water, in the countryside and at home during the hot weather.
Extreme heat increases wildfire risk
The current hot, dry conditions are significantly increasing the risk of wildfires across our region.  Wildfires can spread rapidly, change direction without warning and threaten people, homes, livestock and wildlife.  Most wildfires are caused by human activity rather than natural causes, making them largely preventable.  To help reduce the risk, we are asking people to:
  • take litter home
  • never discard cigarettes on the ground or from vehicle windows
  • avoid campfires and barbecues in the countryside
  • avoid lighting bonfires
  • not leave glass bottles or broken glass in grassy or wooded areas.
 
Barbecue safety 
As many people enjoy the warm weather outdoors, we are also reminding people to use barbecues responsibly.  Disposable barbecues and open flames can easily ignite dry grass and vegetation, particularly during periods of prolonged hot weather. Barbecues should only be used where permitted and never on moorland, heathland, grassland or in woodland.   If you are using a barbecue at home:
  • keep it well away from fences, sheds, trees and dry vegetation
  • never leave it unattended. Distraction is the leading cause of fires in the garden
  • keep children and pets away from cooking area
  • ensure it is fully extinguished and cool before disposal.
A single spark can quickly develop into a large wildfire, putting lives, property and wildlife at risk.
Driving and vehicle safety during a heatwave
Hot weather can increase the risk of vehicle breakdowns, collisions and fires.  Stay safe by following these simple tips: 
  • check your route and vehicle before you travel – ensure coolant, oil and screen wash levels are topped up, tyres are correctly inflated with legal tread depth  and check for any planned road closures or delays.
  • travel outside the hottest part of the day where possible.
  • carry plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially on longer journeys.
  • take regular breaks – heat can cause fatigue and reduce concentration, increasing the risk of a collision.
  • be prepared for delays – carry snacks, a fully charged phone and charger, sunglasses, sun cream and any essential medication.
  • never leave people, pets or battery-powered devices in a vehicle – temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become dangerous within minutes.
  • watch for overheating – if warning lights appear or you see steam from the engine, stop safely, switch off the engine and seek assistance.
  • young drivers, fewer passengers – newly qualified drivers are at significantly greater risk of a collision when carrying several passengers of a similar age. Consider alternative travel arrangements or reduce passenger numbers.
  • keep batteries cool – lithium-ion batteries in phones, vapes, e-bikes and e-scooters can become a fire risk when exposed to high temperatures or charged incorrectly. Use the correct charger and keep devices out of direct sunlight and excessive heat.
  • dress for the ride – if you’re riding a moped or motorbike, always wear appropriate protective clothing.  PPE may feel uncomfortable in hot weather, but it can prevent serious injury.
  • reduce fire risk – never discard cigarettes from a vehicle and avoid parking on dry grass, as hot exhaust systems and catalytic converters can ignite vegetation.
Cold water shock can affect anyone
While rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the sea may look inviting in the heat, the water can remain dangerously cold, even during periods of very hot weather.  We want to remind residents and visitors that cold water shock can occur in water temperatures below 15°C.  Entering cold water can trigger an involuntary gasp reflex, rapid breathing and shock to the body, which can lead to drowning, even in strong and confident swimmers.  In some cases, it can also cause serious cardiac problems.  Rather than using open water to cool down, we are encouraging people to find safer ways to stay cool during the heatwave.
People are being encouraged to:
  • avoid entering rivers, lakes, quarries and reservoirs.
  • stay out of the water if you have been drinking alcohol.
  • choose supervised and life-guarded locations if planning water-based activities.
  • know your location and be prepared to call 999 if someone gets into difficulty.
  • find alternative ways to keep cool, such as staying in the shade, drinking plenty of water and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
If you unexpectedly enter cold water, our advice is to Float to Live – lean back, keep your airway clear, spread your arms and legs, and try to control your breathing until the effects of cold water shock pass.
If someone gets into trouble in the water
We are reminding people never to enter the water to attempt a rescue.
Instead:
  • Call 999 immediately.
  • At the coast, ask for the Coastguard.
  • Inland, ask for Fire and Ambulance.
  • Encourage the casualty to float on their back.
  • Throw them something that floats if possible.
 Keeping cool safely at home
Many families will be spending more time outdoors in gardens during the hot weather, and we are encouraging people to do so safely.  Paddling pools can provide a great way to cool down, but children should never be left unattended around water, even for a moment. Drowning can happen quickly and silently in very shallow water.  Pet owners are also being reminded to ensure animals have access to shade and fresh drinking water throughout the day and are never left in hot vehicles.  We are also asking people to check in on elderly neighbours, relatives and other vulnerable members of their community who may be more affected by the extreme temperatures.
Know what to do in an emergency
If you spot a wildfire, move to a place of safety and call 999 immediately. If possible, provide an accurate location using landmarks, What3Words or a mapping app.
As temperatures continue to rise, we are asking everyone to think carefully about their actions, look after friends, family and neighbours, and help us keep communities, countryside and coastlines safe throughout the heatwave.
A few simple precautions can make all the difference and help prevent a day out in the sunshine from turning into an emergency.

Gower management plan – have your say

Swansea Council have a statutory duty to conserve and enhance Gower’s natural beauty for future generations.  They are preparing their 5-year management plan to guide their work and that of their partners.
We have an opportunity to contribute to that plan through an online survey. 
There is a drop-in session to be held in the King Arthur Hotel this coming Wednesday from 1-5pm.  There is another drop-in session at the Down-to-Earth site on Cefn Bryn on Thursday 28th August at 1pm.
It’s really important we make Swansea Council aware of issues we face.  Maybe we would like to thank them for the work they do or bring up matters such as events that take place, traffic, camping on SSSI land, dog attacks on stock etc.
If Swansea council don’t have a community response, then they will be less aware of the local issues.  Please take ten mins out of your time to complete the form.
Regards
Ilston Community Council

Wildfire – Three Cliffs

Sunday Aug 17th there was a major wildfire below North Hills Farm Campsite near Nott Hill.  Only through the prompt attention of the fire service and locals was the situation contained.

As the weather gradually improves and temperatures increase across the UK, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) is reminding the communities it serves that the warmer months carry dangers around wildfires.

During this time of year, grass and mountains can become extremely dry, which means any fires started outdoors will spread very quickly, putting lives and property at risk, as well as damaging our environment and wildlife.

In 2024, fire services across Wales attended 977 wildfire incidents – 391 of which were in South Wales. Between Friday 14th and Wednesday 19th March 2025 alone, the service attended over 100 wildfire incidents, with the vast majority of these recorded as being deliberately set.

We urge the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious behaviour to the Police, and help us protect our communities from the devastating impact of wildfires.”

South Wales Fire and Rescue provide further guidance here:

https://www.southwales-fire.gov.uk/newsroom/news/south-wales-fire-and-rescue-service-urges-public-to-be-aware-of-the-dangers-of-wildfires/

Sarah Davies is our Local Area Coordinator

Sarah Davies is our Local Area Coordinator (LAC).  Her wide ranging role and that of other LACs across Swansea is described below.  If you think that she may be of help to you as an individual, as a group or indeed as a wider community then please contact her directly.

Sarah may be reached on Mobile: 07929 743466; Email at: sarah.davies7@swansea.gov.uk

Sarah also has a facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lacdunvantkillayupperkillay/

Local Area Coordinators are there for the whole community.
  • Make new connections and  friends
  • Get involved in groups and activities
  • Overcome personal challenges
  • Get your voice heard by people in power and being involved in  improving public services
  • Make your contribution to your community
  • Think about what your good  life looks like
How does it work?

Anyone can meet with a Local Area Coordinator.

You could meet them in your local area or through an introduction from someone else.

You and your Local Area Coordinator will get to know each other on your terms, exploring your idea of a good life and plans to achieve it.

The amount of times you meet really depends on what you want to achieve.

They can help you to find out about your community and introduce you to friendly, helpful people within it.

They can help you explore and build on your strengths and can support you to share your skills and gifts with others. They can help you connect with formal services if that is what you feel you need.

Do they help groups too?

Local Area Coordinators are there for the whole community.

They can help local community groups to keep going and grow by introducing more people and supporting them with things like finding opportunities for funding.

Local Area Coordinators can also support people set up groups when someone has an idea to start something new.

Art and the Environment

Pennard Primary School, in partnership with a local artist, have produced a fantastic work of art to encourage visitors to Gower to ‘Leave only footprints’.  Ilston Community Council has paid for three copies which will be placed prominently.  One may be found at the Tor Bay car park, the second at the end of the road leading down to Three Cliffs past Nott Hill.  The location for the third is still to be decided.  It’s worth getting out for a walk just to see one.

Message from Mr David Harry, Sub Warden, St John’s Church, Penmaen

Message from Mr David Harry, Sub Warden, St John’s Church, Penmaen.
In 2019 we engaged building surveyor and Historic Building consultant Carl Morgan of Llandeilo, to draw up plans to address the West end dampness and to bring the electrical installation up to present day regulatory standards.
Along with detailed plans and a Works Schedule, Carl prepared and submitted a Faculty application to cover all the proposed works. The Facility application was successful which meant we had planning approval from the Church in Wales to continue with the required works.
This work involves taking out five rear pews, the flooring beneath them and wood panelling around the back of the church. Laying a new floor with a damp proof membrane and refitting the back wall pews and panelling. Chairs will replace the five pews lost, and the resulting space will give us the opportunity to use this rear area for hospitality for any events in the church, and as a place to advertise to visitors all the local attractions and display holiday literature.
With respect to the electrical work, a number of unsafe under pew heaters will be replaced and two new convector heaters mounted under the rear pews. The lighting system will be upgraded with energy efficient lights, a number of which will be controlled by movement sensors, enabling summer visitors to see the internal beauty of the church when they enter.
The church is currently open during the summer months courtesy of Layton Jones and family who unlock it for us. We have a visitor book in the back of the church and it is encouraging to read the comments of people from all over the world who are grateful they can spend some quiet moments in such a beautiful old building.
There is the possibility that the church can host a concert as part of the Gower Music Festival next summer, another opportunity to welcome people to St John’s. I have also had a site meeting at St John’s with Ursula Jones and her colleague from Swansea City Council regarding an ecology scheme. Currently they are promoting schemes around Gower churches to encourage wild life and enhance habitat. I was particularly interested in our small woodland area now that it has been opened up after the removal of the diseased ash trees. I thought it would lend itself to nature trail for the public. They too saw the possibilities if a safe access and path were constructed allowing the public to enjoy the woodland area. They are currently drawing up plans for a fully funded ecology scheme for the church and grounds for us to consider.
So we are actively looking at ways to share with the community at large the many assets St John’s has to offer. What I would now like is for someone from Penmaen or the wider community, who has the enthusiasm to gather a group of like minded people, ‘ Friends of St John’s ‘, who would be prepared to promote St John’s. They would not need to have church connections, but an appreciation of a beautiful building and grounds which they could promote and perhaps find other uses which could go hand in hand with the main purpose of the building.
A little help with a few seasonal maintenance tasks would also be very welcome. Again thank you to the Community Council for their help. Please contact me David Harry, sub warden at davidharry@btconnect.com, with any offers.
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