Wales 'crisis' over wildfires amid concern about lack of helicopters

The Welsh government says it has activated its "crisis" plans to tackle ongoing wildfires, amid concerns about a lack of helicopters.

It said the Ministry of Defence (MoD) had told it there was "no aerial support available for anywhere in the UK".

As of Wednesday, fires were still burning in the north and the south of Wales.

Firefighters were continuing to respond to a number of wildfires, including in Pentrefelin, Holyhead; Hope Mountain; Pentre Halkyn; Mount Pleasant, Brymbo; and the mountain above Capelulo near Sychnant Pass, according to the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

There were also "resources in attendance" on the Rhinogydd mountains near Cwm Bychan Lake, close to Harlech, and on the Trawsfynydd side of the mountain.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service also reported an ongoing fire burning in Blaenavon, Torfaen.

The Welsh government said in a statement: "The Welsh government has activated its crisis management arrangements to coordinate the response to wildfires across Wales.

"Officials are working closely with partner agencies at both the Harlech and Blaenavon incidents."

The statement added the MoD had informed the Welsh government "that there is no aerial support available for anywhere in the UK and urgent discussions are now under way both within Wales and at a UK level to identify how this can be resolved".

"While helicopters can usefully contribute to fighting wildfires in some situations, they are by no means a universal or complete solution," the Welsh government said.

"The main and most effective means of fighting wildfires is at ground level, and that is exactly what our firefighters are doing with great skill and dedication.

"We will review current arrangements to ensure we have the right support available across Wales."

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Jami Jennings, from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: "This remains a demanding response for our crews, control room colleagues and support teams."

She added: "Conditions are still very dry, so it is vital that people keep away from affected areas and avoid blocking access for emergency vehicles.

"Smoke can travel some distance depending on the wind direction, so communities that are not close to the fires may still notice smoke.

"Anyone affected should stay indoors where possible, keep windows and doors closed, and ventilate once conditions improve."

(c) Sky News 2026: Wales 'crisis' over wildfires amid concern about lack of helicopters