Over recent weeks, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has responded to an exceptionally high number of emergencies, including major wildfires and significant property fires across its response area.
This sustained demand placed considerable pressure on resources, with Firefighters, Control Room Operators and support staff working tirelessly to protect communities, homes, businesses and the environment.
MAWWFRS recognises that operations of this scale cannot be delivered in isolation. Throughout this period, the support, patience and cooperation shown by communities and local stakeholders has been greatly appreciated and has played an important role in helping to protect people and property.
This work would not have been possible without the support of other Fire and Rescue Services through mutual aid arrangements, including South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS), North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
MAWWFRS also extends its sincere thanks to partner agencies, including Dyfed-Powys Police, South Wales Police, Natural Resources Wales, Public Health Wales and Local Authorities, whose collaboration and assistance have been invaluable.
MAWWFRS would also like to express its heartfelt gratitude to local communities, landowners, farmers and businesses across Mid and West Wales. Throughout these incidents, communities demonstrated remarkable generosity by providing meals, refreshments, hygiene items, equipment, local knowledge and practical assistance to crews operating in challenging conditions. Local farmers made a significant contribution to wildfire containment and extinguishing efforts, generously giving their time and resources at vulnerable areas using agricultural machinery, tractors and water tankers.
Recent drought conditions and sustained periods of warm, dry weather have left vegetation exceptionally dry and highly combustible, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires and enabling fires to spread rapidly across large areas.
Photo courtesy of NCJ Media.
MAWWFRS Chief Fire Officer, Craig Flannery, said:
“Recent weeks have presented some of the most significant operational challenges our Service has faced in recent years.
A Critical Incident Team was established due to the number of large-scale incidents crews were responding to simultaneously. Thankfully, due to the progress made by our dedicated crews, this team has since been stood down.
The willingness of communities to assist, often at short notice and during difficult circumstances, has played a significant role in helping our crews respond effectively and safely, and we are very grateful for their support.”
While the period of unprecedented wildfire activity has eased, MAWWFRS crews continue to respond to and manage a number of ongoing incidents. Firefighters remain on the ground monitoring conditions, tackling isolated hotspots and undertaking measures to prevent further fire spread.
Notable incidents in recent weeks include:
Major Wildfire Incident at Llangynidr Reservoir
From Friday, August 7th, Firefighters from MAWWFRS and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to significant wildfire at Llangynidr Reservoir near Ebbw Vale.
At the height of the incident, the fire covered approximately 400 hectares.
Forming the response to this incident were several fire appliances, water bowsers, all-terrain vehicles, 4x4 vehicles, national resilience assets and a specialist firefighting helicopter.
Major Wildfire Incident at Rhandirmwyn
From Wednesday, August 12th, Firefighters from MAWWFRS, supported by a crew from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, responded to a significant wildfire at Rhandirmwyn.
At the height of the incident, the fire covered approximately 250 hectares.
Wildfire Incident at Nant Glas
From Wednesday, August 12th, Firefighters from MAWWFRS responded to a significant wildfire at Nant Glas in the Llandrindod Wells area.
At the height of the incident, the fire covered approximately 270 hectares.
A total of 15 fire engines, three light 4x4 vehicles, two rural response vehicles, one water bowser and one all-terrain vehicle responded to this incident.
Wildfire Incident at Talley
On Thursday, August 13th, Firefighters from MAWWFRS responded to a large wildfire at Talley, near Llandeilo.
The fire covered approximately 10 hectares of hillside, presenting challenging conditions for firefighting crews.
Wildfire Incident at Morfa Bychan Beach in Pendine
From Sunday, August 16th, Firefighters from MAWWFRS responded to a wildfire near Morfa Bychan Beach in Pendine.
Significant Property Fire in Swansea
On Friday, August 14th, several MAWWFRS crews responded to a significant fire at a commercial property at Parkmill in Swansea.
The property was completely destroyed by fire.
Wildfire Incident at Drummau Mountain
On Monday, August 24th, several MAWWFRS crews responded to a wildfire at Drummau Mountain in Skewen.
The fire covered approximately 100 hectares of trees and scrubland.
Wildifre Incident at Glascwm in Builth Wells
Since Monday, August 24th, MAWWFRS crews have been responding to a wildfire at Glascwm in Builth Wells.
The fire has affected approximately 90 hectares of land.
Wales Wildfire Board
While operational activity has reduced, conditions remain favourable for wildfire development. MAWWFRS therefore continues to work with the Wales Wildfire Board to promote wildfire prevention and encourage responsible behaviour in the countryside.
By raising awareness of wildfire risks, the campaign aims to help protect communities, wildlife, property and the natural environment.
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