The Welsh government has activated "crisis management arrangements" in response to a surge in wildfires across the nation. This move comes amid significant criticism regarding a perceived lack of resources, particularly helicopters, to effectively combat the blazes, some of which have persisted for several days in both northern and southern Wales.
While the Welsh government stated that North Wales Fire and Rescue has received additional resources, aerial support remains unavailable throughout the UK. "Urgent discussions are now underway both within Wales and at a UK level to identify how this can be resolved," a government spokesperson noted.
Firefighters are currently engaged in tackling a major fire near Trawsfynydd in south Wales, which has been burning for three consecutive days, with smoke visible up to 30 miles away. The scale of this mountain fire has led to calls for helicopter deployment, amplified by a petition with 4,000 signatures prompted by a fire spreading into Coed y Brenin in Gwynedd.
Sian Williams, operations manager for Natural Resources Wales, described the wildfire situation as "exceptional." She confirmed that despite requests for aerial support, none has been secured yet, as the contracted helicopter operators are already deployed to fires in England and Scotland. Multiple fires are being managed across North Wales, including at Capelulo near Sychnant Pass and on the Rhinogydd mountains, where residents have been advised to close windows and doors due to smoke.
Ecologist Angharad Owen, who initiated the petition, emphasized the proven effectiveness of helicopters in swiftly managing and extinguishing wildfires, especially in remote and challenging terrains. She expressed devastation over the harm to the natural environment, ecosystems, wildlife, and the risks to human health and safety.
Meanwhile, in south Wales, the wildfire at Blaenavon in Torfaen county is expected to continue burning for several days, with firefighters working to prevent further spread. Residents have reported significant smoke, causing a "fogginess" and "acrid smell" over several miles. Welsh government minister Sian Gwenllian acknowledged the hard work of the crews and confirmed that extra staff and fire appliances have been allocated to North Wales.
