The Fire Brigades Union has raised concerns that firefighters and the public faced significant risks during this year’s wildfire season in Wales due to insufficient funding and resources. Crew members reported being forced to work in unsuitable equipment, including non-breathable protective layers designed for structural fires and inadequate footwear for mountainous terrain. The union noted instances where no fire appliances or pumps were available across entire brigade regions, and cited a reported shortfall of 400 firefighters across Wales.
Firefighters on the ground described extreme operational challenges, with one Bridgend crew member recounting a shift where six or seven major category-three wildfires were visible simultaneously across the region. Despite receiving support from brigades across the United Kingdom, personnel reported being stretched extremely thin, with individual incidents lasting 8 to 12 hours or longer. Injuries among crews included lower limb damage and heat illness, with many firefighters unable to return to work. Control center staff also experienced severe strain, handling nearly 2,000 calls on the busiest day compared to typical daily volumes of 200-300, creating situations where incoming requests could not be fulfilled.
A post-fires survey conducted by the union found that 69 percent of firefighters felt significantly under-equipped, with only 8 percent reporting they felt fully equipped. Nearly half of respondents indicated that welfare facilities during wildfire deployment were inadequate. An FBU executive council member emphasized that poor advance preparation had forced the redirection of specialist crews from their primary functions, leaving some areas without backup coverage.
The Welsh government acknowledged the concerns raised but stated it does not provide core funding to fire services, noting instead that individual fire and rescue authorities determine their own staffing needs and budgets. North Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported costs exceeding £500,000 from the summer operations. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth held a summit with representatives from fire services, police, local government, and other organizations to develop future response strategies, though he declined to confirm whether additional funding would be allocated.
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