More than 20 wildfires are actively burning across South Wales, prompting the deployment of approximately 200 soldiers to support overwhelmed firefighters. The situation has been described as 'exceptional' by fire chiefs, with prolonged dry weather contributing to the widespread blazes.
Crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS), reinforced by brigades from other regions including London and Cumbria, as well as military personnel, are tackling numerous incidents. SWFRS reported handling 14 wildfires on Saturday night, having received 736 calls compared to a usual average of around 300. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is confronting an additional six wildfires.
Military personnel from the Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment and the 22 Engineer Regiment are assisting by digging trenches and constructing fire breaks, which allows firefighters to focus on specialized extinguishing tasks. The soldiers are also providing logistical support, including water distribution. The Welsh Government has indicated readiness to provide funding for this military support.
Wildfires have affected areas including Ynyswen, Treherbert, Blaenau Gwent, Ebbw Vale, Llangynidr, Rhandirmwyn, Pontarddulais, and Gorseinon. In response to the aerial fire-fighting efforts, a temporary ban on drones has been imposed across South Wales.
Fire Brigades Union executive council member for Wales, Gareth Tovey, noted that firefighters are operating under materially different conditions due to the extreme dryness, working long shifts without breaks and eating meals while covered in soot.
In a separate but related incident, four 14-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with a fire near Porth and have since been bailed pending investigation. This comes after a major incident was declared by West Midlands Fire Service on Thursday due to a wildfire that spread across more than 500 acres and destroyed 19 homes in Stourbridge.
An emergency alert was sent to millions of mobile phones across England and Wales on Friday, warning of a 'very high risk of wildfires nationally.' Officials have urged the public to exercise extreme caution and refrain from lighting fires in open spaces. The ongoing dry conditions mean the wildfire risk remains high, even as temperatures may begin to ease.