South Wales Fire and Rescue Service urges public to be aware of the dangers of wildfires

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service urges public to be aware of the dangers of wildfires

As the weather gradually improves and temperatures increase across the UK, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) is reminding the communities it serves that the warmer months carry dangers around wildfires.

During this time of year, grass and mountains can become extremely dry, which means any fires started outdoors will spread very quickly, putting lives and property at risk, as well as damaging our environment and wildlife.

In 2024, fire services across Wales attended 977 wildfire incidents – 391 of which were in South Wales. Between Friday 14^th and Wednesday 19^th March 2025 alone, the service attended over 100 wildfire incidents, with the vast majority of these recorded as being deliberately set.

Area Manager Matt Jones, Head of Operations at SWFRS, commented:

“This week has been an incredibly busy and challenging time for our crews and Joint Fire Control, with multiple wildfires across South Wales placing significant pressure on our resources. Wildfires not only put our firefighters at risk but also endanger our communities, devastate local wildlife, and cause long term damage to our environment.

Our Arson Reduction Teams are working closely with South Wales Police and Gwent Police to investigate and hold those responsible accountable. Deliberate fire-setting is reckless and will not be tolerated.

We urge the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious behaviour to the Police, and help us protect our communities from the devastating impact of wildfires.”

The service’s Head of Training and Operations, Neil Davies, added: “These fires put significant pressure on our operational resources, including our Fire Control and firefighters, and impact on resource to deal with other emergencies. It is a criminal offence to cause deliberate wildfires and is categorised as arson, which is punishable by law.

“It is important to follow practical and correct safety advice appropriate for this time of year. Many wildfires are preventable, and there are some simple steps and changes to behaviour that can limit their number and impact.”

Please read our safety advice and guidance for periods of warm and dry weather:

Be mindful of open flames

Avoid discarding lit cigarettes, matches, or any other flaming objects in grassy areas. Dispose of them responsibly in designated containers.

Never leave fires unattended

If you are camping or having a barbecue, ensure that the fire is properly extinguished before leaving the area. Douse it with water, stir the ashes, and repeat the process until there are no embers left.

Avoid unnecessary outdoor burning

Refrain from burning garden waste or any other materials in open spaces. Instead, consider alternative methods of disposal, such as composting or recycling.

Report suspicious activities

If you notice any suspicious behaviour or see someone intentionally starting a fire, contact the Police immediately or report the information anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555 111. Your timely reporting can help prevent a potentially catastrophic event.

Stay informed

Pay attention to local weather conditions, particularly heatwaves and drought warnings. Follow advice and restrictions issued by relevant authorities regarding outdoor activities and fire safety.

Educate children about fire safety

Teach children about the dangers of playing with fire and the potential consequences. Encourage them to report any fire-related concerns to a responsible adult.

We have an extensive education programme running in schools throughout South Wales, and our Arson Reduction Team works closely with Natural Resources Wales and local land managers to control vegetation on private and common land.

Landowners can legally burn heather, rough grass, bracken and gorse between 1^st October – 31^st March in upland areas, and between 1^st November – 15^th March elsewhere. There is detailed information on how to have a controlled burn in The Heather and Grass Burning Code for Wales, which is an open-source document available online.

We will continue to work with communities to build a healthier and more resilient countryside. By raising awareness about the potential dangers of wildfires, we hope to encourage people to be more vigilant when out enjoying the countryside, and proactive in reporting suspicious activities that can lead to fires.

South Wales Police community safety manager Gareth Prosser, the force lead for wildfires, said: “Causing deliberate wildfires is a criminal offence which is classed as arson.

“In South Wales Police, we will be taking a proactive stance in dealing with deliberate wildfires, with extra patrols being carried out.”

Remember – if you do come across any suspicious activity, please call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or call 101. In an emergency, always call 999.