Wales on high alert due to wildfire threats

With wildfires posing a real threat across Wales - despite high levels of awareness and signage, people are still ‘ignoring the advice’ given, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has stated. Millions of people across Wales and England received a ‘servere alert’ to their mobile phones on Friday evening, warning of a ‘very high risk of wildfires nationally’.

Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks; while retailers have been informed that disposable barbecues must be removed from sale immediately.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority stated: “The wildfire risk across our National Park is now VERY HIGH.

“Conditions are exceptionally dry throughout the National Park. Just one spark can start a fire that spreads rapidly, threatening people, wildlife, habitats and some of our most precious landscapes.

“If you are spending time outdoors: Do not light any fires, including campfires; Do not use disposable or portable barbecues. Pack a picnic instead.

“Do not set off fireworks or release sky lanterns; Extinguish cigarettes fully and never discard them on the ground.

“Take all litter home with you. Camp only where you have permission.

“The risk is real. Please take exceptional care and do nothing that could start a fire. If you see fire or smoke, call 999 immediately.

“Please help us protect the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”

As part of the Government's action to protect local areas and prevent further fires, the Prime Minister announced a package of immediate support for communities and frontline services.

This includes emergency funding for fire and rescue services facing the greatest operational pressures, military assistance in South Wales where around 100 personnel have been immediately deployed to support response and recovery efforts, and a temporary nationwide ban on the sale of disposable barbecues.

Retailers have been informed that disposable barbecues must be removed from sale immediately.

The temporary measure will remain under review but will stay in place while the heightened wildfire risk continues.

Millions of people received a ‘Severe Alert’ to their mobile phones from the Government at around 7pm on Friday evening (in both Welsh and English in Wales) which stated: ‘There is a very high risk of wildfires nationally. Residents, landowners and visitors should not undertake any activity that could start a fire, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks. Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire, placing lives, homes businesses and emergency responders at risk.

‘Follow official updates and report signs of fire immediately by calling 999’

The Welsh Government issued a statement on Friday evening, giving an update on Wildfires and Military Support

Elin Jones MS, Cabinet Minister for Finance stated: “The ongoing and unprecedented wildfires across Wales are continuing to place immense pressure on Fire and Rescue Services and other agencies.

“We remain incredibly grateful to firefighters and other responders for working tirelessly in very challenging conditions to extinguish the fires and protect life and property.

“Many communities across the country have been significantly affected, and support is being offered to the residents in Newbridge who have suffered the devastating loss of their homes.

“At present, both South Wales and Mid and West Wales Fire Services have declared major incidents given the pressures on them from fires in multiple locations.

“The incidents are being managed through an established multi-agency emergency structure covering all organisations involved in the response including the Welsh Government.

“The First Minister attended the COBR meeting earlier this week to update on the serious situation in Wales. He emphasised the need for co-ordinated action to tackle the situation across the UK, including potential deployment of military assets to support firefighters.

“The Welsh Government has been supporting South Wales Fire and Rescue Service in a formal MACA (Military Aid to the Civilian Authorities) request to deploy Army resources to assist them with the current operations.

“This has now been agreed, and we are extremely grateful to the Army for providing this additional support. The Welsh Government stands ready to provide funding for these military support operations should this be required.

“The risks of further wildfires remains very high given the prolonged dry and hot weather. It is extremely important the public continue to play their part in minimising the risks of further outbreaks of fire by behaving responsibly. This means avoiding any activity that could cause fire.

“The Welsh Government, alongside our partners, continues to emphasise consistent public messaging around prevention of accidental and deliberate fires, public safety, the need for rapid reporting of fires where there is an immediate risk to life or property, and protecting vulnerable people from smoke impacts.

“It is vital that the advice of the emergency services is followed at all times, so that they can focus all their resources on the immediate work of dealing with these unprecedented set of circumstances and keeping people and property safe.”