Military units assist firefighters as dozens of wildfires blaze across south Wales

Chief fire officer Fin Monahan commended the military’s involvement in tackling a series of wildfires across south Wales, noting that the service faces severe pressure. Roughly 200 members of the Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, supported by 22 Royal Engineers, the Royal Logistics Corps and army helicopters, have been deployed alongside crews from London, Cumbria and other regions. Soldiers are handling logistical duties, including water distribution and digging trenches to create fire breaks, which allows firefighters to concentrate on their specialised duties.

Fires are active in about 14 separate sites, including Rhandirmwyn, Ammanford, Hay-on-Wye, Swansea and Tenby. MP Chris Bryant thanked London crews and highlighted the presence of two helicopters, warning that such conditions should not become routine. Monahan also stressed the importance of the national emergency fire alert sent to mobile phones and condemned irresponsible actions like burning tyres near trees.