Fire service ‘tested’ as wildfires increase by 483%

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The number of wildfires recorded across south east Wales so far this year has increased by nearly a sixfold compared to last year.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) said it responded to 928 wildfires in its area between January 1 and May 31 this year.

That’s a 483% increase compared to the same time period in 2024.

Of the 928 wildfires, 171 were recorded in Caerphilly County Borough – up from 32 in the first half of 2024, according to provisional figures released by the fire service.

Area manager Matt Jones, head of operations at the fire service, said it had been an “incredibly challenging” start to 2025.

He said: “The scale and frequency of wildfires have tested our resources and our people.

“But thanks to the commitment and professionalism of our crews and control room staff, we’ve responded quickly and effectively to protect our communities.”

The rise in wildfires follows a warm and dry spring, which has left grassland and vegetation vulnerable to fires. It’s a much different story to the first half of last year, which was much wetter than average.

SWFRS said many of these wildfires happened on common land, hillsides, and forests – areas difficult to access and dangerous to tackle.

However, the service believes a ‘significant portion’ of these fires were set deliberately.

Mr Jones continued: “Deliberate fire-setting is a serious crime. It puts lives at risk, destroys habitats, and ties up emergency resources that could be needed elsewhere.

“Our arson reduction teams are working with [Gwent Police and South Wales Police] to investigate these incidents and take robust action where necessary.”

As the summer approaches, the risk of wildfires increase due to hotter and drier weather.

The fire service is urging people to take precautions to reduce the risk. This includes avoiding the use of barbecues or open flames in the countryside, not discarding cigarettes or matches on the ground, and reporting fires immediately.

“Our message is clear,” said Mr Jones. “We’re prepared, but we need the public’s support too. Together, we can reduce the threat of wildfires and keep our communities safe.”