Cumbrian Firefighters Travel 300 Miles to Tackle Welsh Wildfires
Ten firefighters from Cumbria travelled almost 300 miles to help tackle a series of major wildfires across South Wales.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service joined crews from six other areas after South Wales Fire and Rescue Service requested additional support.
Fourteen separate fires were being tackled across South Wales on Sunday, with soldiers and military helicopters also involved in the response.
Around 100 Cumbrian Firefighters Volunteered
Around 100 members of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service offered to help with the operation. Ten firefighters were selected to make the journey to Wales.
Station manager Kieran Moyes was among the Cumbrian team deployed to the affected area.
He described the response as demanding physical work, with some firefighters completing shifts lasting almost 12 hours.
Mr Moyes said the large number of people who volunteered showed the county’s “pure graft” and willingness to support other services during a major incident.
Crews also helped to rescue a pony while responding to one of the fires.
Specialist Vehicles Used on Difficult Terrain
Wildfires can be particularly challenging because crews often need to operate across steep, uneven or remote ground.
The conditions can make it difficult for traditional fire engines to reach the affected areas. Firefighters may instead use off-road vehicles capable of carrying water and equipment across more difficult terrain.
Crews also wear lighter protective clothing designed for working outdoors in high temperatures.
Firefighters must contain the perimeter of the blaze while dealing with intense heat, smoke and rapidly changing wind conditions.
Fire Services Provide Support Across the Country
Mr Moyes explained that sending firefighters such a long distance was not considered a routine deployment.
However, arrangements have been in place for many years to allow fire and rescue services to support each other during major emergencies.
The same system could result in crews from other parts of the country being sent to Cumbria if the local service needed extra help.
Public Urged to Avoid Starting Fires
People across England and Wales received an emergency alert on Friday warning them not to light anything that could start a fire.
Firefighters said responding to incidents caused by carelessness places further pressure on services already dealing with a high number of wildfires.
Disposable barbecues and fireworks can start fires during dry conditions. Discarded glass bottles may also focus sunlight onto dry vegetation.
National wildfire tactical adviser Andy Elliot said very few wildfires begin naturally. He urged people to consider how their behaviour could affect the countryside during long periods of hot and dry weather.
Wildfire Risk May Continue
Lower temperatures and rain are forecast, which could reduce the immediate severity of further wildfires.
However, the rainfall is not expected to reverse the wider dry conditions quickly. More than two-thirds of England is currently in drought following what is expected to be the UK’s hottest summer on record.
Mr Moyes warned that the latest rain may not mark the end of the wildfire season. He said services must also begin preparing for the possibility of further major fires next summer.
