Wildfire incidents increase by 450 per cent in south Wales
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) responded to 928 wildfires between January 1 and May 31 this year, marking a 483 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The sharp rise has put significant pressure on crews, joint fire control, and support teams.
Matt Jones, area manager and head of operations at SWFRS, said: "This year has already been incredibly challenging.
"The scale and frequency of wildfires have tested our resources and our people.
"But thanks to the commitment and professionalism of our crews and control room staff, we've responded quickly and effectively to protect our communities."
Most of the wildfires occurred on common land, hillsides, and forested areas—often remote, difficult to access, and dangerous to tackle.
The service is also focusing on prevention through Operation Firebreak, a long-term strategy to reduce wildfire incidents, and is working closely with the Wales Wildfire Board.
Chris Evans, head of fire crime and home safety, said: "Our work through the Wales Wildfire Charter has made a real difference.
"It's helped us build stronger relationships with landowners, environmental organisations, and local authorities, all of which enhances our ability to plan for, prevent, and respond to wildfires."
SWFRS is also using drone technology during large-scale incidents to provide real-time aerial imagery, helping incident commanders assess fire spread and identify hotspots.
A significant number of wildfires are believed to be deliberate.
The service is working with South Wales Police and Gwent Police to investigate arson cases.
Mr Jones said: "Deliberate firesetting is a serious crime.
"It puts lives at risk, destroys habitats, and ties up emergency resources that could be needed elsewhere.
"Our Arson Reduction Teams are working with police to investigate these incidents and take robust action where necessary."
The public is urged to report suspicious behaviour anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by calling 101.
In an emergency, always call 999.
With hotter, drier weather expected this summer, SWFRS is warning that the wildfire risk could increase further.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Wales Online
Road closed as firefighters, ambulance and police rush to scene of alleged attempted murder outside pub
Road closed as firefighters, ambulance and police rush to scene of alleged attempted murder outside pub Police were called alongside paramedics and firefighters (Image: Sammy Nas ) Two men have been arrested, one on suspicion of attempted murder, following an incident outside a pub in Newport. The 42-year-old man remains arrested for attempted murder remains in police custody alongside a 33-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of affray. They were both hospitalised as a result of the incident and their injuries are not described as life-threatening or life-changing. Police were called to the scene of an altercation between two men outside the Victoria Inn on Caerleon Road in Newport at around 7pm on Sunday. They attended alongside the Welsh Ambulance Service and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Eye witnesses claim a man was set on fire outside of the pub that evening. A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: "We received a report of an altercation between two men on Caerleon Road, Newport, at around 7pm on Sunday 15 June. Article continues below "Officers attended along with the Welsh Ambulance Service and the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. "Both men were taken to hospital for treatment. Their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing and were discharged. "The 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. "The 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray. "Both, from the Newport area, remain in police custody at this time, as our enquiries continue. Detective Chief Inspector Ellen Joslyn, the senior investigating officer, said: "We understand seeing a large number of officers in the area may cause some concern but we believe there is no ongoing threat to the public. "A police cordon is currently in place as we try to establish the circumstances. "If you have any concerns, then please do stop and talk with us." Anyone who witnessed the alleged altercation or has relevant information, including CCTV or dashcam footage, can contact Gwent Police via their website, by calling 101 or sending them a direct message on our Facebook or X social media channels, quoting log reference 2500188993. Article continues below You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, with information on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Wales Online
11-06-2025
- Wales Online
Major emergency at Cardiff Central station as person hit by train
Emergency services have been called to Cardiff Central station to reports a person has been hit by a train. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are at the scene alongside paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance service and delays are to be expected to many scheduled trains as they deal with the incident. A spokesperson for Transport for Wales said: "Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident near the railway at Cardiff Central fewer trains are able to run on all lines. "Train services through this station may be subject to disruption on all routes. Disruption is expected until 3.15pm. "A person has been hit by a train at Cardiff Central , as a result fewer trains are unable to run in the area." Follow live updates on this incident below:
South Wales Argus
06-06-2025
- South Wales Argus
Wildfire incidents increase by 450 per cent in south Wales
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) responded to 928 wildfires between January 1 and May 31 this year, marking a 483 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. The sharp rise has put significant pressure on crews, joint fire control, and support teams. Matt Jones, area manager and head of operations at SWFRS, said: "This year has already been incredibly challenging. "The scale and frequency of wildfires have tested our resources and our people. "But thanks to the commitment and professionalism of our crews and control room staff, we've responded quickly and effectively to protect our communities." Most of the wildfires occurred on common land, hillsides, and forested areas—often remote, difficult to access, and dangerous to tackle. The service is also focusing on prevention through Operation Firebreak, a long-term strategy to reduce wildfire incidents, and is working closely with the Wales Wildfire Board. Chris Evans, head of fire crime and home safety, said: "Our work through the Wales Wildfire Charter has made a real difference. "It's helped us build stronger relationships with landowners, environmental organisations, and local authorities, all of which enhances our ability to plan for, prevent, and respond to wildfires." SWFRS is also using drone technology during large-scale incidents to provide real-time aerial imagery, helping incident commanders assess fire spread and identify hotspots. A significant number of wildfires are believed to be deliberate. The service is working with South Wales Police and Gwent Police to investigate arson cases. Mr Jones said: "Deliberate firesetting is a serious crime. "It puts lives at risk, destroys habitats, and ties up emergency resources that could be needed elsewhere. "Our Arson Reduction Teams are working with police to investigate these incidents and take robust action where necessary." The public is urged to report suspicious behaviour anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by calling 101. In an emergency, always call 999. With hotter, drier weather expected this summer, SWFRS is warning that the wildfire risk could increase further.
