Brand new vehicles and equipment including 4 all terrain Argo Cats, complete with fogging systems, specialist fire crime vans, fire shelters and all terrain mountain bikes will  be deployed in the coming weeks, as part of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s ‘wildfire’ project  - a new, multi-pronged approach to the way Firefighters tackle grass, forestry and mountain fires.  As well as using new firefighting equipment and clothing, the project is developing new techniques in education, enforcement, operational tactics, training and partnership working.  

The new Argo Cats are eight wheeled, all terrain, amphibious vehicles, designed to negotiate inaccessible mountainous areas and capable of ‘swimming’ through deep water.  They will be equipped with hi-tech fire fogging systems – high pressure water mist jets that use a small amount of water to quickly extinguish large areas of grass fires.  This means that for the first time ever, Firefighters will be able to tackle mountain fires with water, rather than the traditional grass beaters that make the task so physically challenging, especially in high temperatures. 

The Service’s Fire Crime Unit will be mobilising three brand new vehicles that will be patrolling the mountains and valleys across the region.  Their aim is to provide a high profile presence in areas where there is a high level of grass and wildfire incidents.

Martin Hendersen, Head of Community Safety and Partnerships for the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“Tackling the issues of wildfires is as much about presentation, education and enforcement as it is about new operational equipment and tactics.  We have been and will continue to work closely with the Forestry Commission Wales and our partner agencies to address the underlying issues of anti social behaviour that result in the devastation of the environment”.

Also making an appearance next week is the Fire and Rescue Service’s microdrone – a remotely operated aerial mini helicopter, which acts as an useful ‘eye in the sky’ for Firefighters tackling large scale wildfires and helps identify those setting the fires.

Attending the launch of the new equipment will be representatives of the Forestry Commission Wales, who work closely with the Fire and Rescue Service in combating wildfires by providing a specialist helicopter, areas for training fire crews and ensuring that Firefighters receive vital information, such as details of the forest roads network, to help them respond quickly to any emergency.

The Easter holiday period traditionally sees the number of deliberately set wildfires in grass and mountain areas soar, costing the taxpayer millions of and results in South Wales’ fire crews being stretched to breaking point.    Annually, the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service makes special preparations for potential spate conditions  and this year, the Service is hoping that the hi- tech equipment will ease the burden on the hundreds of Firefighters that may have to be mobilised to the valleys over the coming weeks.

“This equipment will allow a revolution in the way that our fire crews tackle wildfires”, said Area Manager Andrew Thomas, who heads the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s wildfire project.   

“It will mean that our Firefighters can provide a swift, effective response, fighting fires in tough, inaccessible areas with water as well as the grass beaters they usually use.  In the past, crews have had to trek sometimes miles to the location of the fire, in thick protective clothing, and use heavy grass beaters to tackle the flames.  This will improve their response, making it quicker, more effective, and will reduce the likelihood of injuries and potential cases of heat exhaustion that they have traditionally suffered”, he said.

AM Thomas continued: “Wildfires are extremely unpredictable and can spiral out of control within minutes.  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, where there is a potential life risk”.