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On Friday, Stephen Kinnock, the Secretary of State for Wales, confirmed that military forces have been deployed to provide logistical assistance and help alleviate the pressure faced by emergency responders on the ground. Despite cooler weather conditions on Saturday, firefighting teams throughout Wales continue to struggle against multiple fires.
The Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS) reported that its crews have dedicated over 90 hours to operational activities in locations such as Llanwrtyd Wells, Merthyr Tydfil, and Ebbw Vale. The service expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the local community, especially businesses that have supplied food and drink to the crews during these difficult times. Meanwhile, residents were evacuated from their homes near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, as a fire encroached upon the village. A local councillor described the situation as “scary” as the flames approached.
Firefighters remained on-site on Saturday, continuing efforts to control what was described by MWWFRS as a “challenging and dynamic incident.” The service appealed to the public to avoid the affected areas, particularly around Rhandirmwyn, emphasizing the necessity of keeping roads clear for emergency vehicles. Officials warned that additional traffic could hinder emergency operations and urged respect for all road closures in place.
Elsewhere, a fire was reported near Cwm in Ebbw Vale on Friday evening. Sallie Jones, representing the Cwm Task Force, highlighted the community’s united response. She remarked, “If it was a different wind direction, it could have been total devastation,” and added, “The whole village was fearful, with people calling up last night asking us if they were safe to sleep there. That’s what we’re here for, reassurance and being there as a community.” Firefighting crews also attended incidents in other parts of Wales, including Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf. BBC reporter Mark Carmody, present at the scene, described the flames coming within 30 metres of his home, with firefighters actively protecting his property and dampening surrounding bracken.
On Friday evening, an emergency alert was issued, urging the public to refrain from starting any fires, including disposable barbecues, firepits, garden incinerators, or fireworks. The alert stressed, “Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk.” Prime Minister Andy Burnham reinforced this message by urging the public to take the warning seriously and exercise “extra care,” advising against lighting any fires in gardens, parks, moorlands, wooded areas, or other open spaces
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