A wildfire near a Welsh train station prompted a warning from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service for residents to keep their windows and doors shut. The incident, which took place in Llanbradach near Caerphilly on April 12th, saw three fire engines and 4X4 vehicles responding to the scene. The fire service conducted a ‘tactical burn’ to create a fire break above the train station in Llanbradach to contain the blaze in Caerphilly county. Transport for Wales and Inrix, a live road and transport tracker, reported no disruptions to rail services passing through Llanbradach.
This wildfire incident marks the second reported on that Saturday, following a roadside grass fire in Carmarthenshire. The recent surge in wildfires across Wales has raised concerns, with nearly 200 incidents handled by fire services in the past week alone. Gareth Tovey, an executive council member for the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in Wales, highlighted the need for urgent investment to support firefighters in keeping communities safe. Tovey emphasised that the rise in wildfires is a consequence of increasing temperatures and the effects of climate change, underscoring the essential role of firefighters in addressing these challenges.
South Wales Police also issued a statement reminding the public that deliberate wildfire setting is a criminal offence classified as arson. Campaigners have highlighted Wales’ vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and stressed the importance of proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with wildfires. The police urged local communities to be ‘WildFireWise’ and to understand the potential dangers and consequences of such incidents, especially during periods of dry weather when the risk of wildfires increases.
During a six-day period in March, the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to over 100 wildfire incidents, many of which were determined to be intentionally set. Similar challenges were faced by the Mid and West Wales Fire Service, attending 192 fires in the past week, including large-scale blazes exceeding 10 hectares. The dry conditions in grasslands and mountainous areas make wildfires spread quickly, posing threats to lives, properties, and the environment.
The public was urged to be cautious, refraining from activities that could inadvertently spark fires, such as outdoor barbecues, particularly as the burn plan period for controlled burning has ended. Parents and caregivers were encouraged to educate children about the risks associated with fire and the consequences of irresponsible behavior. The collaborative efforts of fire services, law enforcement, and the public are crucial in tackling the increasing challenges posed by wildfires and ensuring the safety of communities across Wales.
In light of the escalating risks and the broader implications of climate change, stakeholders underscored the need for decisive action to address the root causes of environmental crises. The call for prioritising investments in firefighting capabilities and resources was echoed as essential in safeguarding against the escalating threats of wildfires. The ongoing coordination between emergency services, advocacy groups, and local residents is vital in promoting awareness, preparedness, and resilience in the face of evolving climate-related challenges.