Taskforce reforms to tackle a big increase in grass fires

Operation Dawns Glaw is a multi-agency taskforce of specialist from key agencies which was initially established in 2016 to tackle the incidents of deliberately set grass fires.

It will also now turn its attention to the increase in accidental fires, often caused as a result of careless behaviour when out enjoying the countryside.

During 2020, fire and rescue services across Wales dealt with 2,253 grass fire and the number of accidental fires had increased by 20 per cent on 2019.

With staycations in Wales likely to be popular this summer, the taskforce is keen to make sure it is safe, while protecting the countryside, its wildlife and habitats.

The Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn said: “With more people enjoying their local countryside and the prospect of more people opting for a staycation this year, it is more important than ever that we work together to eliminate grass fires and protect our environment.

“Careless behaviour resulted in an increase in accidentally-set grass fires last year.

“Deliberately setting grass fires by any means is totally irresponsible and unacceptable. At a time of increased pressure, we need to work together and avoid putting further strain on Wales’ emergency services.”

Mydrian Harries, Corporate Head of Prevention and Protection for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Chair of Operation Dawns Glaw, said: “While we know that the warm weather we experienced during the early summer months last year will have contributed to the slight increase in grass fires across Wales, we also know that the number of fires caused accidentally increased as well.

“While accidents do happen, they are also avoidable and this campaign will focus on educating us all on some of the small steps we can take to ensure we don’t accidentally cause a grass fires to ignite.”

Find out more at www.mawwfire.gov.uk/DawnsGlaw.