Military units have been instrumental in supporting firefighting efforts across South Wales, where approximately 14 separate fires were being managed by crews on Sunday. The Royal Engineers and the Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, comprising about 200 soldiers, played a critical role in ensuring a consistent water supply to combat the blazes.
Mid and West Wales Fire Rescue Service reported incidents in areas including Rhandirmwyn and Ammanford in Carmarthenshire, and Hay-on-Wye and Brecon in Powys. Fires were also attended in Gorseinon, Swansea, and Tenby in Pembrokeshire, alongside a smoke incident in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.
Chris Bryant, Member of Parliament for Rhondda and Ogmore, described a fire in Treherbert, Rhondda Cynon Taf, as "appalling" and expressed gratitude for assistance from crews who traveled from London. He noted the presence of fire engines from across the UK and two helicopters supporting operations. "I'm immensely impressed by the fire workers. But this can't be our new normal," Bryant stated on X.
Lieutenant Colonel Monahan praised the Royal Logistics Corps and Royal Engineers for their efforts in water transportation. "The Welsh water system is under pressure, so they're moving vast quantities of water from areas that we have it into areas where we're fighting the fire, so that we don't put too much pressure on the water system," Monahan explained, highlighting a less visible aspect of the firefighting operation. "That's something people probably aren't aware of."
The national emergency fire alert, issued by the UK government to mobile phones in England and Wales on Friday, was deemed "absolutely necessary" by Monahan. However, he voiced disappointment that some individuals still disregarded the dangers, citing an instance where someone was observed burning tires beneath a tree even after the alert was broadcast. "This is irresponsible behaviour," he commented.
