Fire safety plea issued after Llyn Brenig blaze

Six vehicles were in attendance to deal with a fire near the picturesque Llyn Brenig on Sunday afternoon, which is believed to have been caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette.

Some 20,000 square metres of forest was affected by the incident.

WATCH: Dramatic drone footage taken by Martyn Jones.

A North Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "We were contacted about this incident at 12.15 and the stop was called in at 15.56.

"Four fire appliances and two wildfire vehicles attended.

"Approx 20,000 square metres of trees and undergrowth was affected."

Image courtesy of Jamie Baxter.

The spokeswoman added: “Every year fire is responsible for the destruction of thousands of hectares of countryside, open space and wildlife habitats.

"Many of these fires are preventable and caused by our behaviour.

"If you are out enjoying the countryside, especially when the weather is dry, please ensure you discard cigarettes responsibly.

"Don’t light fires in the countryside.

"Don’t litter, discarded glass can cause fires.

"Help us to stop grass fires.”

READ: Fire rips through 20,000 square metres of forest

Local resident Peter Davies was at the scene.

Mr Davies posted on Facebook: "Fire crews did a fantastic job, guided my son and I through the blaze which was on both sides of the road and spreading, great response from fire crew.

"I believe it's suspected to be from a discarded cigarette."

A witness said: "Went up to the Brenig and driving along noticed some people had lost control of a fire by the lake - not sure how it was started, but it was spreading quickly.

"By the time we had turned around in the car it had reached the road going around the Brenig where people were walking and cycling with kids.

"You couldn't see due to the smoke. We got through but soon after it spread across the road into the trees higher up with the wind driving it. Three fire engines were trying to control it."