**Wales Sees Staggering Increase in Wildfires, Surging 500% in a Year**
Emergency responders in Wales have faced an unprecedented challenge this year as wildfires across the region have soared by nearly 500% compared to the same period last year. New figures from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) reveal that nearly 1,000 wildfires ignited between January and the end of May—a stark escalation that has left communities and authorities both alarmed and stretched to their limits.
This surge, totalling 928 recorded incidents, far eclipses the 159 wildfires reported during the first five months of 2024. Officials have highlighted that unseasonably warm and dry weather seen across Wales this spring has created tinderbox conditions, making grasslands and forested areas particularly susceptible to fire. The combination of gusty winds and prolonged dry spells has catalysed the spread of flames, frequently putting lives, properties, and precious natural habitats in jeopardy.
Firefighters from SWFRS, alongside other emergency services, have had to deploy an array of specialist equipment to confront the crisis. Helicopters, adapted all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and numerous fire trucks have all been critical to the response efforts, especially in remote and difficult-to-access locations. Many of the wildfires this year have occurred on common land and uplands, which pose additional challenges due to terrain and accessibility.
Matt Jones, Area Manager and head of operations at SWFRS, described the situation as “incredibly challenging,” adding: “The scale and frequency of these incidents have tested our resources and personnel to the fullest extent. However, our teams—both on the ground and in our control rooms—have shown remarkable professionalism and commitment, ensuring we’re able to respond quickly and protect our communities.”
To enhance safety and effectiveness during major operations, the fire service has been employing drone technology. These drones provide a live aerial overview, assisting incident commanders in pinpointing the fire’s spread, identifying dangerous hotspots, and deploying crews with heightened situational awareness. It’s a demonstration of how modern technology is becoming an increasingly vital tool in emergency response.
While dryness and heat have been significant contributing factors to many of the blazes, authorities believe a ‘significant proportion’ of this year’s wildfires have been started deliberately. In one notable incident in April, six crews were mobilised to tackle a fire near Bryngarw Country Park, Bridgend, which investigators suspect was maliciously set. Such incidents divert resources away from other emergencies and can endanger lives.
SWFRS has issued a stern warning about the consequences of arson. “Deliberate firesetting is a serious crime,” stated Jones. “It threatens lives, devastates wildlife habitats, and demands resources that could be urgently needed elsewhere. Our Arson Reduction Teams are collaborating closely with police to investigate these cases and ensure those responsible are held to account.”
As summer approaches and meteorologists forecast continued dry, warm weather, fire risks are expected to intensify further. Dry grass, scrub, and bracken can ignite quickly and fires may spread rapidly in open countryside, threatening to overwhelm even the most robust fire-fighting efforts.
The fire service is appealing for public support and vigilance. Residents and visitors are being urged to avoid using barbecues or lighting open flames in rural areas, to never discard cigarettes or matches outdoors, and to report fires or suspicious activity without delay. Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers, or by contacting the police directly; emergencies should always be reported via 999.
The year’s extraordinary wildfire statistics not only highlight the immediate danger but also raise broader concerns about climate trends, land management, and the need for community resilience. As authorities brace for what may be an even busier summer, the message is clear: vigilance, responsibility, and quick reporting can make all the difference in protecting Wales’ unique landscapes and its communities.