South Wales Fire and Rescue Service continues to respond to multiple wildfire incidents across South Wales and Gwent as exceptionally dry, hot and windy conditions create increased wildfire risk.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service continues to respond to multiple wildfire incidents across South Wales and Gwent as exceptionally dry, hot and windy conditions create increased wildfire risk.
Yesterday, firefighters have responded to more than 30 wildfires, with several significant incidents requiring substantial resources and support from partner agencies.
Challenging terrain, high temperatures and changing wind conditions continue to make firefighting operations difficult.
There are a significant number of resources at the scene at Porth, and we are being supported by the Police and Local Authority to evacuate some people from their homes and into rest centres where it is needed.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Adam Openshaw, said: “Our firefighters have been working tirelessly over a prolonged period of intense wildfire activity and continue to respond to multiple incidents across South Wales and Gwent.
“We are strengthening our resilience arrangements and seeking additional support from partner organisations and neighbouring services to help us protect communities and support our crews during this sustained period of demand.
“These conditions are creating an extremely high risk of fire spread, and our resources remain under significant pressure. We are grateful for the continued support and hard work of our crews and colleagues, partner agencies, fire and rescue services from across the UK, local communities and everyone who is helping to keep people safe.
“We are asking the public to play their part by avoiding activities that could start fires and by reporting any signs of new wildfires where property is at risk on 999.
“Our colleagues in Control are dealing with numerous calls about smoke in the area and we have instigated additional support to deal with the volume of calls we are receiving. Please be assured that we are aware of these incidents and have crews responding where required.”
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Adam Openshaw, said: “Our firefighters have been working tirelessly over a prolonged period of intense wildfire activity and continue to respond to multiple incidents across South Wales and Gwent. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is working closely with partner organisations through established multi-agency arrangements, including local authorities, police, health partners, Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Government and utility companies.
As part of ongoing resilience planning, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is exploring additional support arrangements to strengthen resilience, support frontline crews and help keep communities safe.
Weather forecasts indicate that wildfire conditions are likely to remain challenging over the coming days. While temperatures are expected to ease slightly, the ongoing dry conditions mean that vegetation remains highly susceptible to ignition. It also means that smoke is likely to settle closer to the ground overnight as temperatures reduce.
Help Prevent Wildfires
The public is urged to:
- Don’t light campfires, barbecues or disposable barbecues in the countryside, or anything that needs a flame.
- Dispose of cigarettes and smoking materials responsibly.
- Take litter home, particularly glass bottles and reflective materials.
- Report any signs of new wildfires where there is risk to property immediately by calling 999.
- Close your windows and doors if you are affected by smoke
- If your health is affected by smoke, please seek appropriate medical guidance.
- Follow advice from emergency services and local authorities.
- Avoid the area and follow any local traffic diversions.
- Don’t fly drone near incidents as this can hamper operational activity.
Anyone who witnesses deliberate fire-setting activity is asked to report it to Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
