One Welsh fire service has been tackling a surge in wildfires, dealing with nearly 200 incidents in the past week alone. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in Wales has issued a warning, highlighting the urgent need for investment to ensure firefighters can effectively safeguard communities. Gareth Tovey, an executive council member for FBU, emphasized the impact of rising temperatures leading to more frequent and intense wildfires, describing firefighters as frontline responders to the climate crisis. Tovey raised concerns about the loss of firefighter jobs and the closure of fire stations across the UK, emphasizing the necessity for immediate action to address the root cause of the climate emergency.
As the warmer weather returns, South Wales Police has reminded the public that deliberately setting wildfires is a criminal offence classified as arson. In response to a significant increase in wildfire incidents, the police are urging communities to be ‘WildFireWise’ and be aware of the dangers and consequences of such actions. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported attending over 100 wildfire incidents within a six-day period, with the majority being deliberately set. Meanwhile, Mid and West Wales Fire Service responded to 192 fires in the past week, with some fires spanning over 10 hectares in size. The dry conditions during this time of year make grass and mountains highly susceptible to rapid fire spread, endangering lives, properties, and natural habitats.
Community safety manager Gareth Prosser from South Wales Police emphasized the criminal nature of deliberate wildfires, highlighting the enforcement of proactive measures and increased patrols to address such incidents. Climate Cymru, a coalition advocating for climate action in Wales, expressed concerns about the alarming trend of escalating wildfires linked to climate change. The coalition stressed the immediate need for climate solutions at local, national, and global levels to mitigate the risks posed by out-of-control wildfires. Sam Ward, head of Climate Cymru, underscored the urgent necessity for comprehensive climate action to protect communities and ecosystems from the detrimental impacts of the climate emergency.
Acknowledging the potential threats posed by wildfires, South Wales Police urged caution among the public, particularly during activities like barbecues in natural environments. Furthermore, landowners were reminded of the end of the burn plan period, signaling restrictions on controlled burning practices. The police also highlighted the importance of educating children about fire risks and the severe consequences of deliberate fire-setting. With wildfires being symptomatic of rapid global warming, the need for immediate and collective action to combat climate change has become increasingly pressing to safeguard communities, wildlife, and the environment in Wales.