The weather which increases the chances of wildfires will grow and the wildfire season will extend according to the UK Climate Projections 2018.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) shared the projections last Friday, July 29, which show the potential of warmer and wetter winters increasing the fuel load, while longer and drier summers increase the risk of fire.

According to MAWWFRS, it has also been suggested that summers could become more hazardous than spring for wildfire by the end of the century.

MAWWFRS said it is always looking ahead and planning for the longer term.

It said that climate change models are being considered so that its team can determine community and environmental impact, ensuring that it has the right resources in place at the right time, whilst maintaining firefighter safety when attending wildfire incidents.

The fire service is also involved in working with land managers such as graziers, farmers, foresters and the local national parks to look at managing vegetation and making arrangements to prevent the spread and severity of wildfires.

This is arranged and carried out with a collaborative approach so that everyone involved can improve biodiversity, maintain safety, and help our countryside flourish for future generations to come.

In terms of wildfires, MAWWFRS said it is seeing a gradual reduction year on year with fluctuations dependent on weather and external factors such as changes in grazing levels.

Wildfires are assessed by the Officer-in-charge when attending incidents to ascertain the most likely cause – this is generally due to anti-social behaviour or uncontrolled burning, whether intentional or accidental, according to MAWWFRS.

The fire service highlighted that the vast majority of these fires are caused by people in one way or another.

It said it believes that ignitions due to natural factors - such as lightning strikes - are few and far between.

It also said that it maintains its commitment to engage with communities to highlight the impact of wildfires, whether it be through schools and youth services or via agricultural communities and organisations where MAWWFRS prioritise “working together”.

Richie Vaughan-Williams, Arson Reduction Manager said: “Collaborative and Partnership working is proving to be very effective, and we are seeing some positive outcomes and a significant reduction in larger fires across Wales this year.

“However, wildfires are still high on the agenda as should climate predictions come to fruition we will change our approach to tackling wildfires as they may pose a different risk – we have already started planning for this in preparation”

For more information on how you can keep your community safe, reduce the risk of wildfires or accidental fires visit the MAWWFRS website: https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/newsroom/current-campaigns-and-consultations/dawnsglaw.