Latest news with #SWFRS
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Blaenavon fire crew fights fourth fire in three days
South Wales Fire and Rescue service received the call at approximately 9PM on June 26. Blaenavon Fire and Rescue Station attended the scene on Llanover road and extinguished the fire, an unattended campfire, using a knapsack sprayer and two beaters. A spokesperson from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: 'SWFRS received a call at approximately 21:00 on 26/06/2025 to reports of a fire near Llanover road. 'One crew and appliance from Blaenavon attended the scene and extinguished the fire, an unattended camp fire, using a knapsack sprayer and two beaters. 'STOP message received at approximately 21:21.' Blaenavon Fire and Rescue Station posted about the event on the station's Facebook account, detailing that the fire was their '4th fire call to the area over the past 3 days'. This fire is the fourth in three days that this crew has had to extinguish (Image: SWFRS) The event has sparked a debate about fire safety among the community on social media, as locals are concerned about the long-term impact that lighting fires in the area will cause. Cllr Nick Horler, of Torfaen Independent Group, said: 'I ask our community to think hard about the long-term damage that lighting fires will cause to the beautiful area that we live in. 'Today I have been in contact with our Community Safety Team for Torfaen to raise concerns, who advise me they have been in touch with the Neighbourhood Policing Team and Fire Crime officers from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Services. They are both aware of the situation and are poised to act. 'The Neighbourhood Policing Team will be conducting patrols in the affected areas to monitor and deter any such activities. 'Additionally, the Community Safety Team plan to reach out to local schools and youth clubs to request that they issue statements reminding everyone of the severe dangers and consequences of deliberately lighting fires. 'I urge members of the community to speak to members of their family about the damage and danger of lighting fires in public spaces. 'If they see any smoke or fires to report them immediately and it is really important that these fires are reported via the normal means 999, 101 and social media help desk. This will help the Police and Fire Service in identifying areas, times and subjects involved and improve our ability to take action.'
South Wales Argus
7 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
South Wales fire service staff at Pride Cymru 2025
Firefighters, control room staff, corporate teams, and senior leaders from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) took part in the parade in Cardiff, offering fire safety advice and recruitment information while promoting the service's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. Chief fire officer Fin Monahan said: "It is important that we demonstrate our commitment to respect, inclusion, and equality for everyone across all our communities. "Attending Pride is just one of the ways we show that we stand with our LGBTQ+ colleagues and the wider community, celebrating diversity and ensuring everyone feels seen, valued, and safe." SWFRS said that taking part in Pride is part of their wider effort to create a workplace culture that is 'inclusive, respectful, and reflective of the diverse communities we serve.' Kirsty Williams, commissioner, said: "It was a pleasure to join colleagues at Pride Cymru and celebrate the diversity that strengthens our communities. "Supporting events like this shows our shared commitment to inclusion and progress." Matthew Collins, DICE business partner, said: "Being part of Pride Cymru is a key part of showing our support and allyship for LGBTQ+ colleagues and the wider community."
South Wales Argus
24-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
South Wales female firefighters attended training event
Nine representatives from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) attended the Women in the Fire Service (WFS) National Training and Development Event 2025, held earlier this month. The three-day event brought together women from all areas of the fire and rescue sector—including operational, corporate, and support staff—for workshops, leadership sessions, and hands-on training. Beci Newton, station manager, attended for the first time as an instructor. She said: "Despite having been a firefighter for 18 years this is my first WFS weekend. "I've come not as a delegate but as an instructor and it's an honour to be teaching high-rise at such a prestigious institution. Attendees had a hands on experience (Image: South Wales Fire and Rescue Service) "This event is about empowering each other, sharing knowledge and showing that leadership has many faces; and all of them belong in the fire and rescue service." Attendees participated in sessions covering incident command, wildfire response, high-rise firefighting, fire behaviour training, and fire investigation. Other workshops focused on confidence building, professional development, and mental health. Clare Amor, crew manager at Duffryn Station and SWFRS regional representative for Women in the Fire Service UK, said: "This is the 23rd WFS UK event. "All 52 services are attending plus delegates from Southern Ireland, Jersey, and Ghana this year. The aim of the three days was to empower each other (Image: South Wales Fire and Rescue Service) "The reason for this event is to empower and encourage women in our fire services across the UK. "It enables operational and corporate delegates to be involved in realistic fire and rescue scenarios and workshops that will help enable them to reach their full potential. "This will then inspire confident, successful women to return to their service and help build a more progressive fire service. "SWFRS wanted to offer all their staff the same opportunities so last year we held the first WFS Cymru event for all Wales for 'all employees' at Cardiff Gate and our planned 2025 event in October is already half full." The weekend reinforced SWFRS' commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive workforce, and to investing in professional growth for all staff.
Wales Online
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Multiple vehicles destroyed in fire which sent thick black smoke into skies above Abercarn
Multiple vehicles destroyed in fire which sent thick black smoke into skies above Abercarn One local who witnessed the blaze said they could hear 'crackling sounds and mini-explosions' South Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene of a fire in Abercarn Multiple vehicles have been completely destroyed by a fire at a garage in Abercarn, the fire service has confirmed. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) told people to keep their doors and windows closed due to thick smoke in the area as it dealt with the fire on Monday evening (June 17). Photos from the town showed grey billowing smoke in the air as well as a fire engines and police vehicles at the scene. One local resident said the fire first started at around 6.30pm. A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed that the fire affected a one-storey garage used as a commercial property near High Street, Abercarn. One caravan, one van and three vehicles were "all completely destroyed by fire. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service asked people to keep windows and doors shut due to the fire Another vehicle was partially destroyed by the fire. Article continues below The exterior of the property was also affected by the heat. A resident from Abercarn, who did not want to be named, witnessed the blaze. Stay informed on Caerphilly news by signing up to our newsletter here. "I was in the local pub in Abercarn called The Market, just there drinking, before heading to Newport," he said. "It was around 6.35pm. "I went to the front of the pub and saw a massive plume of smoke behind the old Welsh school that's just closed. "The smoke was quite dark and choking. I could hear crackling sounds and mini-explosions. "I think the residents and commercial businesses nearby were affected. I think the community feels a bit numb at the moment. I noticed some people were quite upset by the incident." One resident described the smoke as 'quite dark' and 'choking' A spokesperson for SWFRS said the STOP message was received at 8.40pm. Gwent Police, Natural Resources Wales and National Grid were all also in attendance. Article continues below Gwent Police has been contacted for a statement.
South Wales Argus
06-06-2025
- South Wales Argus
Wildfire incidents increase by 450 per cent in south Wales
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) responded to 928 wildfires between January 1 and May 31 this year, marking a 483 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. The sharp rise has put significant pressure on crews, joint fire control, and support teams. Matt Jones, area manager and head of operations at SWFRS, said: "This year has already been incredibly challenging. "The scale and frequency of wildfires have tested our resources and our people. "But thanks to the commitment and professionalism of our crews and control room staff, we've responded quickly and effectively to protect our communities." Most of the wildfires occurred on common land, hillsides, and forested areas—often remote, difficult to access, and dangerous to tackle. The service is also focusing on prevention through Operation Firebreak, a long-term strategy to reduce wildfire incidents, and is working closely with the Wales Wildfire Board. Chris Evans, head of fire crime and home safety, said: "Our work through the Wales Wildfire Charter has made a real difference. "It's helped us build stronger relationships with landowners, environmental organisations, and local authorities, all of which enhances our ability to plan for, prevent, and respond to wildfires." SWFRS is also using drone technology during large-scale incidents to provide real-time aerial imagery, helping incident commanders assess fire spread and identify hotspots. A significant number of wildfires are believed to be deliberate. The service is working with South Wales Police and Gwent Police to investigate arson cases. Mr Jones said: "Deliberate firesetting is a serious crime. "It puts lives at risk, destroys habitats, and ties up emergency resources that could be needed elsewhere. "Our Arson Reduction Teams are working with police to investigate these incidents and take robust action where necessary." The public is urged to report suspicious behaviour anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by calling 101. In an emergency, always call 999. With hotter, drier weather expected this summer, SWFRS is warning that the wildfire risk could increase further.
