People affected by huge wildfire can now claim from £20,000 support fund

Those who incurred costs as a result of the fires are invited to come forward and apply

A claims process is now open for the distribution of more than £20,000 raised through a wildfire support fund. The Rhandirmwyn and District Community Association (RDCA) has announced the move following the major wildfire that affected the Rhandirmwyn area north of Llandovery in Carmarthenshire in August.

The appeal was launched during the emergency after farmers, local businesses, residents and volunteers worked alongside Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to help bring the fire under control and protect homes, livestock, farmland and the wider community.

The response to the appeal was overwhelming, with donations received from local residents, former residents, visitors and supporters from across Wales and beyond. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here.

An RDCA spokesperson said: “The generosity shown by donors was extraordinary and reflected the appreciation people felt for those who stepped forward to help during one of the most challenging incidents our community has ever faced.

“We would like to thank everyone who donated and everyone who played a role in protecting the community.”

The committee is now inviting claims from individuals, farms, businesses and volunteers who incurred costs directly related to the wildfire response and recovery effort. The claims process will remain open until Saturday, November 7.

The association says it is keen to emphasise that the fund was never intended as a reward or payment for volunteering. Instead, the purpose of the appeal was to provide reimbursement of expenses incurred while assisting the emergency response.

This may include fuel used by tractors and other machinery, equipment damage, emergency fencing and animal welfare costs, food and refreshments supplied to responders, and other direct expenses arising from efforts to contain the fire and support recovery activities.

The spokesperson added: “No amount of money could properly recognise the commitment, determination and public spirit shown by those who helped protect the community.

“The fund is not about placing a financial value on those efforts. It is about ensuring that people are not left out of pocket because they used their own resources while helping others.”

The committee has stressed that no one is under any obliga6on to submit a claim and that any decision not to seek reimbursement will be fully respected.

However, it says it hopes that those who incurred “genuine costs” will feel comfortable coming forward, recognising that donors contributed specifically because they wanted to help ensure that people were not financially disadvantaged as a result of their efforts.

Claims will be assessed against the principles set out in the original appeal, with the aim of ensuring that available funds are distributed fairly, transparently and in accordance with the intentions of donors.

The committee is encouraging anyone wishing to seek reimbursement to submit their claim as soon as possible. Following completion of the process, the RDCA intends to publish a summary report outlining how the funds have been distributed.

The spokesperson added: “The story of the wildfire is ultimately a story of community spirit.

“Those who helped on the ground gave their time, energy and resources when they were needed most. Those who donated did so because they wanted to support that effort.

“Our responsibility now is to ensure that the funds entrusted to us are distributed fairly and in keeping with the purpose for which they were raised.”

For further information or to obtain a claim form, contact Rhandirmwyn and District Community Association by clicking here or by e-mailing treasurer@rhandirmwyn.org.

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