Farmers praised as fire service stands down Critical Incident Team

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) has praised the local farming community that stepped up in recent weeks to help fight fires that destroyed huge swathes of land.

The extended dry spell’s long-awaited end today couldn’t come soon enough for our local exhausted fire service which has stood down its Critical Incident Team that was set up to deal with disastrous wildfires and increased property blazes.

But before the service returns to ‘business as usual’ it has paid tribute to the organisations and farming community who supported them in fighting the fires.

It has highlighted the support from other Fire and Rescue Services through mutual aid arrangements, including South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS), North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

MAWWFRS also extends its thanks to partner agencies, including Dyfed-Powys Police, South Wales Police, Natural Resources Wales, Public Health Wales and Local Authorities, whose collaboration and assistance have been invaluable.

“MAWWFRS would also like to express its heartfelt gratitude to local communities, landowners, farmers and businesses across Mid and West Wales,” they stated.

“Throughout these incidents, communities demonstrated remarkable generosity by providing meals, refreshments, hygiene items, equipment, local knowledge and practical assistance to crews operating in challenging conditions.

“Local farmers made a significant contribution to wildfire containment and extinguishing efforts, generously giving their time and resources at vulnerable areas using agricultural machinery, tractors and water tankers.” 

MAWWFRS Chief Fire Officer, Craig Flannery, added: “Recent weeks have presented some of the most significant operational challenges our Service has faced in recent years.

“A Critical Incident Team was established due to the number of large-scale incidents crews were responding to simultaneously. Thankfully, due to the progress made by our dedicated crews, this team has since been stood down.

“The willingness of communities to assist, often at short notice and during difficult circumstances, has played a significant role in helping our crews respond effectively and safely, and we are very grateful for their support.”

While the period of unprecedented wildfire activity has eased, MAWWFRS crews continue to respond to and manage a number of ongoing incidents.  Firefighters remain on the ground monitoring conditions, tackling isolated hotspots and undertaking measures to prevent further fire spread.