The Prince of Wales has warned that climate change creates a “terrifying prospect” of more bushfires in the UK and said communities must prepare for them. During a visit to Treherbert in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, Prince William praised the efforts of firefighters, military personnel and local volunteers who helped protect homes, land and lives during devastating fires in August.
Calls for greater wildfire preparedness
“We need to start tackling wildfires as seriously as the continent does,” Prince William said, pointing to challenges including a lack of firefighting aircraft.
He also said the community’s response to the incident could serve as an example for others, after local residents rallied to support those fighting the fire.
Prince William met firefighters, military personnel and volunteers at a community centre near a hillside that was left charred black by the blaze.
“You looked up. [and] The mountain was on fire, it looked like lava,” said Cath Edwards, managing director of Valley’s Kids, the charity that runs the building.
“I really thought we were going to lose the centre, but more importantly people would lose their homes.
“I never expected this to literally arrive at your door. That’s just crazy.”
Emergency response to multiple fires
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) declared a major incident after being forced to respond to 14 bushfires at the same time, including the fire in Treherbert in August.
Support was brought in from 22 other UK fire services. Soldiers, including 200 members of the Queen’s Gurkha Logistics Regiment, were deployed to dig firebreaks and provide 2.1 million litres of water to help extinguish the fire.
Aled Bound, a crew manager at Maesteg Fire Station and a resident firefighter in Treorchy, described it as the “toughest bushfire season” he and his colleagues had ever dealt with.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
