South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

16/08/2026

TEMPORARY NO FLY ZONE ACROSS SOUTH WALES FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE AREA

We are currently managing several significant wildfire incidents across South Wales.

To support ongoing firefighting operations and ensure the safety of helicopters and emergency responders, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has established a Temporary Restricted Area for unmanned aircraft or drones.

❌ Do not fly personal drones within the restricted SWFRS area

All professional drone pilots should check NOTAMS using an approved data source.

Our helicopter assets are continuing to operate across the affected area, carrying out vital firefighting and reconnaissance missions. Unauthorised drone activity presents a significant risk to aviation safety.

We would like to thank you for your continued support as we work with partner agencies to bring these incidents to a close.

Please share this message to help keep our crews and helicopters safe.

16/08/2026

🚨 Wildfire update

We continue to respond to significant wildfire activity, with crews attending 14 concurrent wildfire incidents today.

We are grateful for the support being provided by neighbouring fire and rescue services from across the UK and military personnel, whose assistance is helping us sustain operations and keep people safe.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) Adam Openshaw said "I am incredibly proud of everyone involved in the response to this major incident. From our outstanding operational crews and officers on the frontline, to our amazing Fire Control teams, and corporate colleagues. The courage, resilience, teamwork, and dedication being demonstrated across the Service at the moment is truly exceptional."

We know this is a challenging and worrying time for many people, and we are grateful for the continued support. We remain committed to protecting our communities and keeping the people of South Wales safe.

Please help us by:

• Only calling 999 if you have a new emergency to report
• Report suspicious behaviour via 101 or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111)
• Keep windows and doors closed if affected by smoke
• Do not use disposable barbecues
• Stay away from incident areas and avoid flying drones near incidents

Please continue to follow advice from emergency services and partner agencies to help us prevent further fires.

📸 © MoD Crown Copyright 2026

15/08/2026

⚠️ Crews remain on scene at an incident in Cwm, Ebbw Vale.

Smoke from the incident is affecting parts of the local area. Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed.

Anyone experiencing health concerns should seek appropriate medical advice. For further health advice, visit 👇
🔗 https://phw.nhs.wales/knowledge-article/wildfires/

Blaenau Gwent CBC | Public Health Wales | Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales

15/08/2026

Our crews will be carrying out controlled burns towards control lines at the incident in Rudry, Caerphilly.

Please do not be alarmed if you see an increase in smoke in the area. This is a firefighting tactic used to help control the wildfire.

If you live nearby, close your windows and doors. Thank you.

Caerphilly County Borough Council | Public Health Wales

15/08/2026

🚨 Our Joint Fire Control team is experiencing unprecedented demand.

Today, Control has already received 736 calls, compared to an average of around 300 calls. Since Monday, they have answered 6,854 calls.

Please only call 999 to report a new emergency. Report non-emergency concerns or suspicious behaviour via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / MAWW Fire and Rescue

15/08/2026

⚠️ Crews remain on scene at an incident in Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil.

Smoke from the incident is affecting parts of the local area. Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed.

Visibility may be reduced on nearby roads. Take extra care if travelling in the area.

Anyone experiencing health concerns should seek appropriate medical advice. For further health advice, visit 👇
🔗 https://phw.nhs.wales/knowledge-article/wildfires/

Merthyr Tydfil CBC | Public Health Wales | Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales

14/08/2026

Update from our partners at South Wales Police on the incident at Pleasant Heights in Porth.

Arrest | South Wales Police is continuing to investigate a deliberate fire that was set on the mountain near Pleasant Heights in Porth.

Four 14-year-old boys from Porth have all been arrested on suspicion of arson and have since been bailed under investigation.

Detective Inspector Steve Jones said: "These incidents put communities at risk, can impact people's health, threaten wildlife, and divert emergency resources away from people who need us.

"Deliberately starting fires is a criminal offence. If you see suspicious behaviour or have information about deliberate fire-setting, please report it to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or the police by calling 101."

14/08/2026

🚨 We are currently receiving a high volume of 999 calls following the UK Government's severe alert issued this evening about the increased risk of wildfires.

Please only call 999 if you have a new emergency to report to the Fire Service or our partners in the police and ambulance service.

Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / MAWW Fire and Rescue | South Wales Police

14/08/2026

A member of our community sent us this lovely drawing from their granddaughter to thank our colleagues.

Our crews and control room are still extremely busy, dealing with several wildfire incidents across South Wales, but we want to take a moment to thank you all for your incredible support.

We see you stepping up, showing kindness and putting others first.

We are very grateful to work with such amazing communities, who are continuing to pull together and offer support - to each other and to our colleagues.

We truly appreciate your support.

Let's continue to work together to keep South Wales safe. If you spot a new active fire, please call 999.

If you notice any suspicious behaviour in relation to deliberate fire setting, please report it to police on 101, or crime stoppers on 0800 555111.

14/08/2026

Wildfire update: Bike Park Wales, Merthyr Tydfil.

We are advising local residents to keep all windows and doors closed where possible due to smoke in the area and follow public health advice.

Please avoid the area to allow for emergency services to carry out their operational activity efficiently and safely.