Huge increase in number of wildfires

THERE has been a dramatic increase in the number of wildfires that have ripped through South Wales this year, with nearly 1,000 recorded in the first five months.

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From January 1 to May 31 there has been a sharp rise of 483% on the number of wildfires in the region compared to the amount recorded in 2024.

As Wales witnessed unseasonably warm and dry weather conditions throughout the early months of spring, grasslands were up in flames with emergency services attending a host of incidents throughout April.

Helicopters, fire trucks and ATVs were used to distinguish incidents occurring on common land, hillsides, and forested areas that are often hazardous to tackle.

Officers at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) responded to 928 wildfires from January 1 to May 31 compared to just 159 the year prior.