SOUTH Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has requested military assistance as it continues to combat a series of ongoing wildfires.
SWFRS has submitted the request for Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) to provide additional logistical and defensive tactical support as wildfire activity continues across parts of South Wales, in line with approved escalation protocols.
The request follows an extended period of hot weather and significant operational demand, during which firefighters, control staff and support teams have been working around the clock to protect communities, homes, businesses, infrastructure and the environment.
Throughout the incident, SWFRS has redeployed resources, activated the mutual support arrangements with other fire and rescue services that is well established and in place for instances of this nature, and worked closely with partner agencies through established resilience arrangements. The MACA request forms part of those long-established plans for managing prolonged and complex incidents and was submitted when we met the correct point in the protocol.
ACFO Matt Jones said, “Our priority remains protecting communities while ensuring we can sustain our response to protect people in our communities for as long as conditions require.
“We have followed embedded escalation processes and have already activated mutual aid arrangements with National Resilience and other fire and rescue services across the UK, and are using a wide range of resources to support our response. Requesting military assistance is a sensible and precautionary next step that provides additional support capacity, strengthens resilience and helps us continue to protect the communities we serve.
“This support will also help ensure the welfare of firefighters and colleagues who have been working in challenging conditions over a prolonged period.”
SWFRS says it continues to work alongside local authorities, police, health partners, Natural Resources Wales and Welsh Government through established multi-agency arrangements.
The public is urged to continue following safety advice, avoid affected areas and help reduce the risk of further wildfires.
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