David Chadwick has called for urgent clarity on the future of rural fire stations in Wales, warning that proposed closures could leave communities vulnerable to disasters like the recent floods in Monmouthshire.

Speaking in Parliament this week, the Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP praised emergency services for their response to the floods but highlighted that small fire stations - often equipped to respond to major incident - are under threat of closure.

“Last year, we saw attempts by multiple fire and rescue authorities in Wales to close small fire stations, which often house the equipment needed to respond to major floods like the ones we have just seen,” he told MPs.

“Two of the proposed closures are in my constituency in Knighton and Crickhowell. Crickhowell is just a stone’s throw away from Monmouthshire, and the services that are based there often go over the border to help out.

“Will the Minister clarify what engagements the Government have had with fire services in Wales on potential closures? Does she agree that it is vital that we keep small stations open to protect residents in rural Wales from devastating events such as the ones we have just seen?”

In response, Under-Secretary of State for Wales Anna McMorrin praised the work of emergency responders and promised to write to Mr Chadwick with further details on the proposed closures.

The debate follows severe flooding in Monmouth on November 15, when the River Monnow broke its banks, leaving cars and high street shops underwater. Levels surpassed those seen during Storm Dennis in 2020 and Storm Bert in 2024, prompting NRW to issue “significant risk to life” warnings.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Gwent Police, Welsh Ambulance Services, SARA, Mountain Rescue, the Coastguard, and neighbouring fire services all responded.

Flooding also affected parts of Abergavenny, though less severely.