21/08/2026
🚨Major incident update:
The military support for our response to wildfires across South Wales has now officially been stood down.
As our work on this major incident continues, we'd like to extend our sincere thanks to all teams from the British Army, who worked alongside our crews and partners during an exceptionally demanding period.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Adam Openshaw said “During this Major Incident, our Firefighters, Officers, Control Operators and Corporate staff have been working tirelessly, with the utmost professionalism, to protect the people of South Wales from harm. At the height of our response, it became necessary to seek additional support from the British Army, as the number of significant and concurrent wildfires being faced placed extreme pressure on our resources. On behalf of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, I wish to thank the British Army for their invaluable assistance and support over the past few days. They have worked incredibly well alongside our crews, demonstrating real teamwork, to offer further resilience at a time when we needed it the most, and we are grateful for the support. Whilst military assistance has now come to an end, our dedicated crews and staff, remain committed to this live major incident, and I am proud of the courage and resilience of everybody involved.”
This joint effort shines a light on the vital role partnership plays in emergency response - the support from Army teams was invaluable in helping us sustain operations across multiple incidents to protect life, property and the environment.
From transporting large quantities of firefighting water to cutting crucial firebreaks, their professionalism, dedication and teamwork played an important role in supporting our response and helping protect communities across South Wales.
From everyone at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, thank you for your support and partnership.
