Warm, dry spell raises danger across Wales as helicopter deployed to tackle major blaze
PEOPLE heading into the Welsh countryside this Bank Holiday weekend are being urged to act responsibly amid growing fears of wildfires following weeks of warm, dry weather.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has warned that the risk of grass and wildfires is now “elevated” across the country, with emergency services already responding to multiple serious incidents.
NRW officers have been working closely with Fire and Rescue Services and partner agencies to tackle blazes and reduce the impact on wildlife, the environment and nearby communities.
On Wednesday (April 29), NRW deployed a fire-fighting helicopter to carry out targeted water drops on a wildfire in the Elan Valley at Cwmystwyth. Officials said the decision was taken due to the high risk to nature, difficult ground access, forecast winds and a lack of significant rainfall.
Meanwhile, NRW teams have also been assisting South Wales Fire and Rescue Service at a large wildfire at Waun Wen near Merthyr Tydfil since Tuesday night.
With dry conditions expected to continue over the coming days, NRW says Wales is now entering a particularly dangerous period for outdoor fires.
Richard Preece, Duty Tactical Manager for Natural Resources Wales, said:
“Wales’ landscapes are incredibly special, but they are also vulnerable. It only takes one careless act for a fire to start and quickly get out of control.
“We’re asking everyone visiting the outdoors this Bank Holiday to think about the consequences of their actions and help us protect our wildlife, our water and our communities.”
The agency is urging people to be #WildfireWise by following simple safety advice, including:
- Never lighting fires in the countryside
- Only using disposable BBQs where signs permit
- Never leaving BBQs unattended and ensuring they are fully extinguished
- Taking all litter home, particularly glass bottles
- Avoiding discarding cigarettes or matches
- Reporting any signs of fire or suspicious activity immediately by calling 999
Carl Williams, Arson Reduction Manager for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, warned that wildfires can place enormous strain on crews and resources.
“Wildfires not only divert crews from responding to other emergencies but also expose firefighters to significant risk,” he said.
“These incidents often demand large numbers of personnel, including On-Call staff who must leave their primary employment to attend incidents and remain deployed for extended periods.”
He added that wildfires can spread across vast rural areas, threatening homes, farms, livestock, transport routes and power supplies. Smoke can also create road hazards and pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable people.
“By making responsible choices, the public can help protect firefighters, safeguard communities, and preserve Wales’s countryside for future generations,” he said.
Rhydian Slade-Jones, Landowner Engagement Officer for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said agencies work year-round with farmers and landowners to identify high-risk areas — but stressed prevention depends on public behaviour.
“Most wildfires in Wales are caused by human activity, so we’re asking everyone to act responsibly,” he said.
“If you see any deliberate fire setting or anti-social behaviour on our hillsides, it is important you report it straight away — your actions can make a big difference.”
NRW said many wildfires are started deliberately and classed as arson, while others are caused by carelessness, often linked to disposable BBQs and open flames.
The agency warned the environmental consequences can last for years, with habitats destroyed in hours and wildlife unable to escape advancing flames. Fires can also damage rivers and reservoirs as ash and disturbed soil washes into waterways, harming fish and reducing water quality.
Officials added that the loss of vegetation increases the risk of soil erosion and flooding, while damaged landscapes can take decades to recover.
Members of the public can find further advice and information by following the multi-agency campaign #WildfireWise and #DoethiDanauGwyllt, coordinated through the Wales Wildfire Board.
