The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) is calling for an urgent escalation of resources and government action as wildfires continue in North Wales. On Tuesday firefighters are continuing to battle six significant fires in the region as hot and dry conditions persist.
Fires across the region
In an update issued on Tuesday morning, the fire service said they remained in attendance at fires at Hope Mountain, Pentre Halkyn, Mount Pleasant in Brymbo, Rhinogydd mountains near Cwm Bychan Lake, Pentrefelin at Holyhead and the mountain above Capelulo near Sychnant Pass, North Wales Live reports.
Rhinogydd wildfire shocks communities
According to the FUW the sheer scale of the fire at Rhinogydd mountains has shocked local communities as it threatens "property, livestock, grazing land and internationally important habitats". The fire is also highlighting the increasing challenge of responding to major wildfires in remote rural areas, the union said.
The union has highlighted the urgent need for action to several politicians at the Royal Welsh Show, including representatives from the Welsh Affairs Committee.
Union president's concerns
FUW President Ian Rickman said: "Our thoughts are with the firefighters, emergency services, local residents and farming families who have been dealing with this fire under incredibly difficult conditions. The scale of this wildfire is deeply concerning. The Rhinogydd is not only an internationally important landscape for wildlife, but also a working landscape that supports farming families who have cared for these uplands for generations."
"The impact of a fire of this magnitude will be felt for years through the loss of grazing, damage to habitats, risks to livestock and will have a knock-on effect on the wider rural economy."
Local farmers call for aerial support
FUW Meirionnydd County Chair, Gwion Rowlands, said the scale of the incident had caused widespread concern throughout the local community. "The sheer size and duration of this wildfire are unlike anything many people in the area can remember. Our immediate concern is for everyone whose properties, livestock and livelihoods are at risk while the fire continues to burn. This is an exceptional incident that requires an exceptional response. Every available resource should be considered to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible."
According to North Wales Live, concerned farmers near Rhinogydd mountains have called for aerial support, stating the fire is "unlike anything seen before".
Government response
The Welsh Government told the title that the Ministry of Defence has advised that "no airborne firefighting capability is currently available". North Wales Fire and Rescue has also requested aerial support from Natural Resources Wales, but no suitable aircraft has yet been available due to "wildfire incidents elsewhere in the UK".
A spokesman for the Welsh Government told North Wales Live: "Wildfire has long been a serious risk in many parts of Wales. Climate change is bound to increase that risk, especially during summer heatwave conditions. Our firefighters are highly trained to tackle wildfires. Crews are currently managing the fire on the ground by using natural firebreaks, creating new firebreaks and dampening down hotspots. We have been informed by the MOD that no airborne firefighting capability is currently available for deployment anywhere in the UK to support these efforts."
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) has made a formal request for mutual aid in the form of staff and fire appliances to assist with the emergency response at Rhinogydd. "This request has been agreed and resources have now arrived. NWFRS has also requested aerial support from Natural Resources Wales in response to the wildfire on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate. The request has been approved, with deployment subject to operational availability."
Natural Resources Wales statement
Euros Jones, NRW's duty tactical manager for North Wales, told North Wales Live: "North Wales Fire and Rescue Service (NWFRS) requested helicopter support because of the remote location of the fire and the challenges associated with accessing parts of the site using ground-based firefighting equipment. We approved the request, including the associated costs required to secure helicopter support. All available operators within our established arrangements were contacted following the request from NWFRS. However, due to demand from wildfire incidents elsewhere in the UK, no suitable aircraft has been available."
"Aerial firefighting is a highly specialised and heavily regulated activity. While operators may carry out other aviation work on our behalf, any operator used for wildfire response must meet specific operational, safety and assurance requirements for that purpose. Military Assistance to the Civil Authorities (MACA) has been discussed by partners. However, we have been informed that there are no military air resources available that could be used to directly assist with firefighting operations. As a result, no formal request for assistance through the MACA process has been made, as suitable resources would not be available to provide the support needed."
Ongoing efforts
Mr Jones said NRW is working closely with NWFRS at the Rhinogydd wildfire in Meirionnydd. He added: "The fire is affecting a remote upland area that includes internationally and nationally important protected habitats, including a Special Area of Conservation, Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve. Our staff remain on the ground supporting the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, as they identify opportunities to create firebreaks to limit the spread of the fire and protect surrounding areas."
