Operation Dawns Glaw, a multi-agency taskforce of experts from key agencies across Wales, has reshaped to reduce, and where possible eliminate, the impact of grass fires across Wales.

The taskforce, originally set up in 2016 to tackle the incidence of deliberate grass fires across Wales, will also address the increase in accidental fires, often caused by our own careless behaviour when we are out enjoying in the countryside.

During 2021, the Fire and Rescue Services across Wales dealt with 2,089 grass fires. Although this was a slight increase on 2020, the number of accidental fires during 2021 increased by 24per cent .

Each year, fires are responsible for destroying thousands of hectares of countryside areas, open spaces and wildlife habitats. Working with our communities and sharing our knowledge gives us a better understanding of what we can do to reduce the damage that accidental fires cause to our environment.

Peter Greenslade, Head of Corporate Prevention and Protection at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Chair of Operation Dawns Glaw, said:“We are launching our campaign again this year on St David’s Day, with a patriotic plea that we all continue to work together to build a healthier and more resilient Welsh landscape by developing a more biodiverse countryside for our future. We want to continue to protect our landscapes, grassland and countryside which we are all so fortunate to have on our doorstep.

“We want to work with our communities, farmers and landowners to share our knowledge and understanding of the impact that arson and accidental fires have on our communities.

“We understand that controlled burning can have a positive impact on the environment, creating biodiversity and a sustainable ecosystem, and we are available to provide free advice on how to go about doing this safely.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to reinforce our message: while accidents can happen, there are those in our communities who deliberately set our countryside on fire – not only is this a crime for which they will be prosecuted, but it also places unnecessary pressure on front-line services and puts our communities at risk. I would urge anyone with information relating to such offences to call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The Campaign is also continuing its work with farmers and landowners across Wales, reminding them that although they can burn heather, grass, bracken and gorse up to 15 March (up to 31 March in upland areas), they must have a Burning Plan in place to ensure they burn safely. It is illegal to burn outside the burning season, and can result in penalties of up to £1000.

You can find out more about #DawnsGlaw 2022 via the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service website www.mawwfire.gov.uk/DawnsGlaw where you can also find simple safety tips and download the campaign’s safety messages for use on your own social media channels. Together we can prevent grass fires and protect our countryside and country.

Remember – If you are out enjoying in the countryside and encounter any suspicious activity, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or call 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.