What plans does the Welsh Government have to reduce the risk and incidence of wildfires?
The Prif Weinidog has committed to convene a Wildfire Summit later this year, which will aim to agree a comprehensive programme of preventative action for all partners. The risk of wildfire is largely a product of climate change. Working together with partners we want to identify what we can do together to reduce our collective risk.
Farmers and landowners are key partners in wildfire prevention, helping to reduce fuel loads and improve the resilience of the Welsh landscape through active land management. We are supporting land management measures, including peatland restoration, that reduce wildfire risk by improving landscape resilience through raised water tables and reducing combustible fuel loads.
The Welsh Government provides annual funding for the three Fire and Rescue Services’ youth intervention programmes. These programmes work with disengaged young people at risk of deliberate fire-setting and are highly effective, with the great majority of participants showing positive and sustained behaviour change. The Fire and Rescue Service also provides extensive advice to the general public about how to minimise the risks of wildfire.