The blaze, reported at 6.50pm on Sunday 13 July, involved two separate seats of fire, one measuring approximately 200m x 200m, the other 200m x 150m, and affected large swathes of gorse, trees and undergrowth. Crews from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service used knapsack sprayers, blowers and beaters to extinguish the flames, leaving the scene by 9.28pm.
This latest incident follows a 12-hectare fire in April that required multiple crews and extended dampening down efforts across the hillside. That earlier blaze prompted renewed calls for vigilance and raised concerns about the impact on wildlife habitats and community safety.
A hill under pressure
Kilvey Hill has long been a focal point for both conservation and development. The site is currently earmarked for the Skyline Swansea leisure destination, a £35–£40 million project led by New Zealand-based Skyline Enterprises. Plans include a gondola lift, zipline, luge runs, sky swing, and hilltop restaurant, with developers pledging to retain and improve public access across the hill.
Skyline says the attraction will occupy approximately 9% of Kilvey Hill, with existing walking trails upgraded, new mountain biking routes added, and a free adventure playground introduced. The company has committed to a net biodiversity gain, including the planting of 122 mature trees and 68,000 shrubs and saplings, in consultation with Natural Resources Wales.
However, the development has faced opposition from campaigners and environmental groups, who argue that the scale of the project could disrupt the hill’s ecology and community use. Critics point to the hill’s designation as a quiet area and its role as a green space for East Swansea residents, many of whom lack access to other countryside areas.
Skyline maintains that free, unhindered access will continue, and that the project will open up the hill to a wider cross-section of the public, including those with mobility challenges.
Wildfire risks and community safety
The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service continues to urge caution through its #WildfireWise campaign, which aims to reduce the number of grass fires across Wales. In 2024, crews responded to 977 grass fire incidents, with deliberate fires down 44% compared to the previous year.
The campaign encourages residents to report suspicious activity, avoid risky behaviours like outdoor burning, and take extra care during dry conditions. The service also works with landowners to promote safe land management practices and biodiversity-friendly burning techniques.
Andrew Wright, Chair of the Wales Wildfire Board, said:
“We want to work with our communities, farmers, and landowners to share our knowledge and understanding of the effect that both deliberate and accidental fires have on our communities.
Controlled burns can have a positive effect on the environment, but they must be done safely and within legal guidelines.”
For more on wildfire safety and prevention, visit the #WildfireWise campaign page.
