Fire services calls for military support to tackle wildfires

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South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has called for military support as it battles against a spate of ongoing wildfires.

The extended period of hot weather has seen fire crews, control room staff, and support teams working around the clock across south Wales in recent days and weeks.

Fire chiefs said emergency teams have been redeployed and mutual support arrangements with other UK fire services have already been activated to maintain cover.

However, with dry conditions continuing to inflame countryside areas, army support was requested as a precautionary step.

The fire service submitted a request for Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) to provide tactical and logistical backing.

It is also working alongside councils, Gwent Police, Natural Resources Wales, and the Welsh Government to monitor high-risk sites.

ACFO Matt Jones, of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Our priority remains protecting communities while ensuring we can sustain our response to protect people in our communities for as long as conditions require.

“We have followed embedded escalation processes and have already activated mutual aid arrangements with National Resilience and other fire and rescue services across the UK, and are using a wide range of resources to support our response.

“Requesting military assistance is a sensible and precautionary next step that provides additional support capacity, strengthens resilience and helps us continue to protect the communities we serve.”

He added: “This support will also help ensure the welfare of firefighters and colleagues who have been working in challenging conditions over a prolonged period.”

Residents across Caerphilly County Borough are being urged to exercise extreme caution in grassy and wooded areas, avoid lighting open fires or barbecues, and report any signs of smoke immediately by calling 999.