Crews thank Llandovery for support as open day goes ahead
Aberystwyth Fire Station has expressed gratitude to the people of Llandovery after receiving food, shelter and practical support while deployed to tackle the protracted wildfire near Rhandirmwyn. The station’s teams were among crews from across the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and colleagues from further afield who attended the major incident.
In a message issued ahead of its community open day, the station said local residents ensured firefighters were fed, hydrated and cared for throughout what it described as a “very challenging period”. A special thank-you was given to The Royal Oak in Llandovery for opening its doors to exhausted crews and providing assistance during the operation.
“Like many crews throughout Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, our firefighters are understandably exhausted, but we remain committed to serving our communities whenever we are needed.”
Officers confirmed they had considered postponing Saturday’s event to allow firefighters time to recover after a demanding run of call-outs, but decided that the open day would proceed as planned. The station urged the community to attend, describing locals as “the community we proudly serve” and reiterating their thanks for the ongoing support shown during the wildfire response.
What to expect at the open day
The open day will run from 11:00 until 15:00 on Saturday. Organisers said the schedule is subject to operational demands and could be altered if crews are needed elsewhere, but activities currently planned include a barbecue, a bouncy castle, face painting and, time permitting, a cake stall. Visitors will also be able to find out more about on-call firefighting opportunities, with recruiting underway across the service area.
- Date & time: Saturday, 11:00–15:00
- Planned attractions: barbecue, bouncy castle, face painting, cake stall (subject to availability)
- Information: on-call firefighter recruitment information available on the day
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Community support highlighted | Llandovery residents and The Royal Oak provided food and hospitality during incident |
| Ongoing operations | Firefighters remain deployed at incidents across the region, including Pendine |
station personnel emphasised that, despite fatigue, they remain available to respond to emergencies. The message underlines the continued operational pressure on crews across the area: firefighters from Aberystwyth were not only mobilised to Rhandirmwyn but have continued to attend other major incidents in Mid and West Wales, notably the large blaze at Pendine.
The decision to go ahead with the open day reflects a balance between giving the public a chance to engage with and thank their local fire crews, and maintaining readiness. Open days are often used to raise awareness about fire safety, recruit retained (on-call) firefighters and reinforce links between stations and the communities they protect.
For Aberystwyth residents, the event will be an opportunity to meet the crews who have been working long shifts and to learn about volunteering as an on-call firefighter, a role the station is actively recruiting for across the area. It also provides a public moment to show appreciation for the practical support given by neighbouring communities during a demanding emergency response.
Organisers cautioned that elements of the programme could be curtailed if duties call crews away, asking attendees to understand the operational priority of keeping the public safe. For now, the station’s tone is one of gratitude: to the hosts in Llandovery, to the individuals who offered sustenance and shelter, and to Aberystwyth residents invited to join the open day this Saturday.
