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.
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South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- 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.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Dry weather and arson see 480% increase in wildfires
Firefighters have seen a 483% increase in the number of wildfires in south Wales compared with 2024, after responding to more than 900 incidents so far this year. They said this year had been "incredibly challenging" so far due to dry and warm weather and a "significant" number of fires believed to have been deliberately January and May, 928 wildfires broke out in the region covered by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS), compared with the same period in 2024 which saw only were 418 wildfires reported between 1 January and 31 May 2023, and 658 in 2022, the fire and rescue team said. Area manager Matt Jones said this year had already put pressure on teams but praised the efforts of staff and crew to respond have also been using drones to monitor wildfires in real time and support crew during large of the fires took place on common land, hillsides, and forested areas, described as places which are often difficult to access and hazardous to said the rise in incidents, including those seen in Pontycymer, Bridgend and in Merthyr Tydfil, comes after warm and dry conditions in early spring which left grassland and vegetation also believe a significant number of fires were deliberately started and have been working with South Wales Police and Gwent Police to investigate."Deliberate fire setting is a serious crime. It puts lives at risk, destroys habitats, and ties up emergency resources that could be needed elsewhere," added Mr Jones. Steps to prevent fires include avoiding using barbecues or open flames in the countryside, never discarding cigarettes or matches on the ground, and reporting fires immediately while keeping a safe distance.
South Wales Argus
27-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Cwmbran: Man charged with causing death by dangerous driving
Jack Llewellyn, 25, is accused of being responsible for the death of Nicholas Page following a collision on Greenforge Way in Cwmbran two years ago. It follows an incident at around 4.10pm on the afternoon of Thursday, March 30, 2023 while the defendant was driving a Skoda Octavia. The 30-year-old Mr Page was a passenger in the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor. The crash happened between the Octavia and a silver Ford Focus. Llewellyn, of Park Crescent, Abergavenny is also alleged to have caused serious injury to a separate alleged victim. The defendant is due to appear at Newport Magistrates' Court on Thursday, May 29. Gwent Police officers had attended the collision along with the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Wales Air Ambulance and Welsh Ambulance Service.
