South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has joined forces with Gwent Police, the Forestry Commission, and the South Wales Arson Reduction Team, to stage ‘Operation Phoenix ‘ –a partnership initiative aimed at reducing the number of grass fires over Easter.  The operation will take place next week in the Cwmbran and Cefn Fforest areas.

All-terrain Fire and Rescue Service and Forestry Commission vehicles, and Police off road motorcycles, are just some of the resources being used by the partner agencies as they patrol the mountain sides over the next few weeks on the look out for would be arsonists, in a determined effort to drive down the huge number of deliberately set grass fires that are suffered year on year. 

“We believe that the South Wales Valleys suffer the highest number of grass fires in the UK”, said Knill Baird-Murray, Station Manager at Cefn Fforest Fire Station. 

“The only way to tackle this recurring problem is a concerted effort by all interested agencies – and we are extremely fortunate that the issue has been fully embraced by these partners.  People just don’t seem to grasp how serious the issue of grass fires is.      Grass and mountain fires are unpredictable and can spiral out of control within minutes.  One day, someone is going to lose their lives – and that might even be one of our own Firefighters”. 

Station Manager Baird-Murray continued:  “Every time our Firefighters are called out to a grass or mountain fire, not only does it cost the taxpayer thousands of pounds, but it also means that Firefighters could be diverted from attending a real emergency – someone trapped in a house fire or a crashed car.  That’s not to mention the complete destruction of the environment and the deterrent to inward investment in this beautiful part of the world”

The operation has been co-ordinated by Sergeant Neil O’Connell of the South Wales Arsion Reduction Team and made possible by funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.

Sgt O’Connell said:

“Arson is a crime, and we will arrest and prosecute anyone we catch lighting these fires”.

“These people are endangering their own lives as well as the lives and property of others in the community.  Deliberate fire setters could be subject to prosecution under various laws including the destruction of the environment and wildlife, the disturbance of protected species and damage to property” he added.   

On specific days over the coming months, Firefighters, Police Officers, Forestry Commission Officers, will be patrolling the area in their all terrain vehicles, in constant contact with the Police and Fire Control Rooms. 

People should contact their local police station or Crimestoppers (0800 555 111) immediately if they see anyone involved in lighting fires.