The MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd is calling on UK Government to provide additional investment to strengthen Wales’ ability to respond to the growing threat of wildfires, following a summer that saw major incidents across north Wales, including the devastating fire in the Rhinogydd mountains near Cwm Bychan. 

During a question to the newly appointed Secretary of State for Wales, Mrs Saville Roberts praised the dedication of firefighters from North Wales Fire & Rescue Service while highlighting concerns over the lack of aerial support available during major incidents.

The Rhinogydd wildfire burned across a remote and environmentally sensitive area. Firefighters worked for days in challenging terrain to contain the blaze. Aerial support was not immediately available due to high demand for specialist aircraft across the UK. It was only deployed later in the operation to assist crews in reaching remote hotspots and preventing further fire spread.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Liz Saville Roberts MP said: “The Rhinogydd mountains of Eryri national park are the last true upland wilderness in Wales.

“They burned for over two weeks in July causing immeasurable damage to peatlands and wildlife.

“Despite heroic work by local firefighters, there were no UK wide resources available, including the military, to tackle this ecological disaster.

“What steps is he taking to ensure Welsh government have sufficient resources in the face of overwhelming climate change?”

Mrs Saville Roberts added: “The wildfire in the Rhinogydd mountains demonstrated both the scale of the threat we face and the remarkable commitment of crews on the ground.

“They worked tirelessly in demanding conditions to bring the fire under control. However, these incidents also exposed shortcomings in the support available to Wales. “Firefighters were too often left tackling major wildfires without the aerial assistance that can be crucial in containing blazes and supporting crews in difficult terrain. “As climate change increases the frequency and severity of wildfires, we must ensure that our emergency services have the resources, equipment, and operational support they need. That includes examining how aerial firefighting capability can be made available when major incidents occur.

“The Rhinogydd wildfire exposed the challenges of fighting major fires in remote terrain and raised legitimate questions about how quickly Wales can access specialist UK-wide capabilities, including aerial and military support, when local crews are faced with incidents of national significance.

“I welcome that the First Minister will hold a Wildfire and Resilience summit next month to bring together agencies and emergency service to ensure they are prepared for future crises. If Wales is to meet the growing threat posed by wildfires, the UK Government must also play its part by ensuring that Welsh fire and rescue services have access to the investment and support necessary to keep our communities safe. The people of Wales deserve confidence that every available resource will be there when communities, livelihoods and our natural environment are under threat.”

The Secretary of State for Wales said he understood there were difficulties surrounding helicopter capability but once a request was made for MACA (Military Aid for Civillian Authorities), he turned that around in an hour.