‘These fires do not just pose a threat to our wildlife and environment in Wales – they risk our lives too’

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We all saw the devastating scenes in Newbridge when a mountainside fire took hold among a residential street and razed several properties to the ground.

While we have seen some awful mountain fires in our communities over the summer, this was the closest call when it comes to endangering human life. It was a reminder that these fires do not just pose a threat to our wildlife and environment in Wales – they risk our lives too.

The unprecedented summer we have experienced in terms of heat, coupled with a complete lack of rain over a sustained period, have turned our lush green mountains into tinder boxes.

Unfortunately, some criminals – because that is what they are – have taken advantage of this and set fires that have endangered lives, devastated wildlife and the local environment as well as leaving a black, scarred landscape behind.

I hope that these offenders are caught and are punished accordingly to send out a message that arson is not a harmless crime, it is a major threat to lives and safety. It can also ruin your future if you are caught. 

In the wake of the fire at Newbridge – and following on from devastating ones across south Wales including Rudry – I wrote to the First Minister to ask his government to engage with local partners to determine what practical, financial and wellbeing support can be offered to those affected and to help minimise further disruption.

As well as relief efforts, there is a strong case for enhanced preventative measures to be put in place whether that takes the form of better land management, greater education on fire prevention (particularly among young people) as well as additional protection for residential measures.

If people are to be given peace of mind, free from the anxiety of this ever happening again, greater protection has to be considered for the many communities we have situated alongside our mountainsides.

It is clear that the First Minister has grasped the seriousness of the situation with his announcement of a multi-agency wildfire summit to strengthen wildfire prevention and resilience.

The First Minister also attended a COBR meeting to advocate on behalf of Welsh communities about the impact of wildfires here. In that meeting Rhun ap Iorwerth sought assurances that National Resilience mutual aid arrangements will continue to prioritise support to wildfire-affected areas.

This week GCSE students will collect their results. This follows on from A-Levels results going out last week. I congratulate everyone who gets the grades they are aiming for.

If you have fallen short however, my advice would be not to panic. There are always options and other ways to achieve your dreams and succeed with your ambitions.

This is what happened to me. I fell short in my hopes to become a veterinary student in one of my four A-levels by one grade. I can well remember the crushing disappointment I felt at the time. This setback put me on a path in my personal life as well as my professional life to where I am today and I would not change a single thing.

Sometimes setbacks can be blessings in disguise with the right determination and effort. Things often work out in the end so please bear that in mind if you did not get what you were hoping for.