Fire service concerned over illegal burning of Pyllau Cochion Common

THE bog habitat on Pyllau Cochion common is an important deep-peat site that started forming almost 10,000 years ago following the last ice age. In 2017 the depth of the peat on the site was measured to be 5.2 m making one of the deepest peat bogs in Carmarthenshire. The capacity of our natural habitats to store carbon in peat bogs and peaty soils plays an important role in locking up carbon from the atmosphere and assisting with the mitigation of climate change, so it is important that we manage these sites in ways which enables them to deliver these benefits. Peat bog also acts like a sponge, storing rain water and carbon which has been captured for over thousands of years.

Sadly, Pyllau Cochion Common has been illegally burnt each year for many years, resulting in degradation of the plants that its supports and also the wildlife that live there.

Sergeant Marc Davies, Arson Reduction Team, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue service,

“Each year Fire crews from across Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service tackle hundreds of deliberate grass fires. We are committed to reducing these deliberate fires and the Arson Reduction Team welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with partner organisations like Carmarthenshire County Council and Dyfed Powys Police to help protect our communities from this type of activity. Getting out and speaking to people in these communities where grass fires occur is key to raising awareness of the terrible impact and consequences these fires have. We’re determined to change cultural attitudes so people understand that Arson is unacceptable.”

Andrew Paterson Commonland Officer, Carmarthen County Council said:

“its important for local residents to be aware of the ecological significance of Pyllau Cochion. This area of peat bog supports rare peatland plant communities and we need to conserve them. Please help us raise awareness of this important site and talk to your neighbours and your local community”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service are working in collaboration with Dyfed Powys Police and Carmarthen County Council as part of the All Wales Dawns Glaw campaign, with Firefighters having attended fires on this common. This not only put their lives at risk, but it is expensive and takes important resources that could be used elsewhere. Keep an eye out for any activity that might result in burning and report this to the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.