Written statement (Wales): Wildfires in Wales - July 24

Siân Gwenllian MS, Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning: As our emergency services continue to respond to a number of wildfires across Wales, with ongoing work to contain two significant fires at the Rhinogydd near Harlech, and Blaenavon, I am updating you on the current operations and what we are doing as a government.

The multi-agency response to both fires is being managed through tactical co-ordination groups, which were activated on 15 July for Harlech and earlier in the week for Blaenavon, chaired by the Fire and Rescue Services, including Natural Resources Wales, the military and supported by the Welsh Government. This approach enables decisions to be made quickly, resources to be co-ordinated effectively, and support to be directed where it is most needed.

Importantly, I want to reinforce that our firefighters are highly trained to tackle wildfires and crews are currently managing the fires on the ground by using natural firebreaks, creating new firebreaks, and dampening down hotspots.

The Fire and Rescue Services are working closely with Natural Resources Wales and other partners, dedicating resources to containment operations to prevent the fires from spreading. Additional support has also been successfully mobilised from across Wales and England through established mutual aid arrangements. These arrangements enable Fire and Rescue Services to request and receive specialist personnel, appliances and equipment from other services when incidents place sustained pressure on local resources, helping to maintain operational resilience while crews continue to respond on the ground. Determination of what resources and capabilities are needed, however, is best determined by those on the ground.

The fires at Rhinogydd and Blaenavon are currently the two most significant wildfire incidents in Wales. Both remain active and are being managed reflecting the efforts of those involved. Other wildfires have been successfully brought under control and are now being monitored and dampened down - demonstrating both the hard work, expertise and professionalism of our fire service.

The Rhinogydd fire has developed gradually, and we have been informed by the emergency services that significant progress has been made in tackling the fire following the expansion of the affected area. I have received confirmation that additional appliances have been deployed, firebreaks have been created and key forestry assets have been protected. Work continues at the site, and I will receive a further briefing in the coming days from those involved in the operation.

The fire at Blaenavon is currently the priority for ground operations. Fire and Rescue Services and Natural Resources Wales are on site, undertaking difficult containment work in challenging conditions. The incident has produced a significant amount of smoke, which I know will be of concern to Members representing the area and to local residents. However, officials have advised that there is currently no threat to life or property. The fire is expected to continue burning for several days, and firefighters remain at the scene to prevent it spreading further and putting lives, wildlife and property at risk.

Air cover and helicopter capacity has been a topic of significant interest, including whether it can be procured from the armed forces, or civilian/private sources. Firstly, I should emphasise that the armed forces have no UK-based capacity at all for aerial firefighting, so we are unable to ask for their support. I would also emphasise that providing general aerial firefighting capability for Wales is not within Natural Resources Wales' remit. Their remit covers the Welsh Government Woodland Estate. Fire and Rescue Services lead the response to wildfire firefighting operations, including fire suppression, firefighter safety, incident command and decisions about tactics and deployment. There are varying views within the emergency services and associated agencies about the role of helicopter firefighting support, but it was requested by the Fire and Rescue Service at the Rhinogydd site. I intend to review the current capabilities available to fight wildfire, including aerial support, to identify what additional capabilities may be required, and what potential costs might emerge (recognising the context that these are UK-wide issues and will require discussions across the UK).

In particular, although wildfire has long been a serious risk in many parts of Wales, climate change increases that risk, especially during summer heatwave conditions. This is a matter we take very seriously as a government as we look to ensure we are resilient to the impacts in the longer term.

I would like to join Members in expressing our full support across our government for our firefighters, other responders and local volunteers. I know that support is shared across the Senedd. We recognise that it is their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts which deserve our highest praise, as they continue to do all they can to protect our communities and keep people safe.

I also want to recognise and thank local communities for their patience and co-operation during what I know is an anxious and difficult time, particularly for those living close to the affected areas. It remains important that people continue to follow the safety advice issued by the emergency services and local partners and stay away from active fire incidents. I am grateful for the calm, responsible and supportive way in which communities have responded.

This statement is being issued during recess to keep Members informed. Should Members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.