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A chief fire officer has expressed gratitude towards the military for their assistance in combating wildfires across south Wales. Fin Monahan, from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, highlighted the significant strain on local firefighters and welcomed the support from seven additional fire services alongside military units. Approximately 200 personnel from the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, complemented by teams from the 22 Royal Engineers, Royal Logistics Corps, and Army helicopters, have been actively involved in the firefighting efforts. Fire crews from regions including London and Cumbria have also been deployed to provide crucial aid.
Monahan explained to the BBC that the involvement of the military, coordinated by both UK and Welsh governments, was a necessary step due to the scale of the wildfires impacting the country. He emphasized the specialised expertise possessed by his firefighters in wildfire management, noting that military support has allowed these skills to be directed more efficiently. Soldiers have contributed primarily through logistical roles, such as distributing water, building fire breaks, and digging trenches. According to Monahan, this has freed up firefighters to concentrate on their core responsibilities, describing the soldiers’ efforts as “utterly phenomenal.”
On Sunday, crews were actively addressing around 14 separate wildfire incidents in south Wales. Mid and West Wales Fire Rescue and Service reported involvement in fires at multiple locations including Rhandirmwyn, Ammanford in Carmarthenshire, and Hay-on-Wye and Brecon in Powys. Additional fires were managed in Gorseinon, Swansea, and Tenby, Pembrokeshire, alongside a smoke-related incident in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire. Chris Bryant, Member of Parliament for Rhondda and Ogmore, described a fire in Treherbert, Rhondda Cynon Taf, as “appalling” and thanked crews from London who had come to assist. He also remarked on the widespread deployment of firefighting resources across the UK and the presence of two helicopters, while stressing that such events must not become routine.
Monahan praised the Royal Logistics Corps and Royal Engineers for their critical role in managing water supplies during firefighting operations. He pointed out that pressure on the Welsh water infrastructure necessitated the movement of large quantities of water from less affected areas to those battling fires, thus preventing excessive strain on local systems. Additionally, Monahan supported the UK government’s decision to issue a national emergency fire alert via mobile phones across England and Wales, emphasizing its importance. However, he voiced frustration at some members of the public who continued to engage in risky behaviors, recounting an incident where he encountered someone burning tyres beneath a tree even after the alert was broadcast, condemning such actions as “irresponsible behaviour.
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