New Collaboration Aims to Tackle Rising Wildfire Risks in Wales
- Rob Beeson
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has taken a new approach to one of the biggest challenges facing our countryside: wildfires.
By bringing together firefighters, land managers, and community members in a series of collaborative workshops, they are designing better ways to prevent and fight fires. This initiative comes at a critical time, as recent statistics show a worrying surge in incidents.
Why This Matters Now
Wildfires are happening more often and becoming more severe. This is driven by a mix of climate change and pressure on how land is used. These fires are dangerous for local communities and firefighters, and they cause massive damage to our wildlife and ecosystems.
The latest figures paint a stark picture:
A sharp rise in 2025: While fire numbers dropped in 2023 and 2024, incidents have surged this year. There have been 1,257 incidents so far in 2025, surpassing the difficult year of 2022.
Deliberate fires: Over the last decade, 65% of wildfires in the region were started on purpose.
Hidden risks: Even though wet weather reduced fires in 2024, it led to more unmanaged vegetation growth. This creates more "fuel" for fires when dry weather returns.
A New Plan of Action
Through their "Balanced Room" workshops, the Fire and Rescue Service listened to voices from all sides to create a practical plan. They have identified several key areas to focus on:
Better Communication: Improving how data and intelligence are shared between agencies.
Prevention: Focusing on education and working closely with farmers to change behaviours before fires start.
Smarter Land Management: Using schemes like the Sustainable Farming Scheme to encourage wildfire prevention as part of everyday farming.
Technology: Using drones and satellite data to spot risks in real time.
Specialist Teams: Creating dedicated wildfire teams with vehicles designed for difficult rural terrain.
The Need for Urgent Action
This initiative in Wales highlights a reality that affects all of us. The sharp rise in incidents in 2025 serves as a wake-up call.
We cannot afford to be complacent. As vegetation grows unmanaged and our climate changes, the "fuel load" in our countryside increases. To protect our moorlands, wildlife, and rural communities, we need significant, coordinated action across the entire UK to counter this growing threat.
Stay Updated
📧 Stay updated on all moorland issues - sign up for our free Newsletter.
