Wales to strengthen wildfire board and create landowner support register

Wales will strengthen its All-Wales Wildfire Board and develop a register of farmers and landowners willing to help firefighters, the First Minister has announced after Thursday’s summit in Merthyr Tydfil. Rhun ap Iorwerth said the priorities would prepare Wales for the 2027 wildfire season. More than 40 representatives attended the meeting.

What the government will take forward

The board’s work will cover prevention, risk management, public information and coordination. A separate Wales-wide approach will monitor spring and summer resilience risks. Ministers also plan a rapid evidence review on land management, a review of the Heather and Grass Burning Code, and international expertise for fire-service training. The proposed landowner register would cover vehicles, equipment and local knowledge.

Further work before delivery

The government will examine evidence and options for firefighter health monitoring and decontamination, alongside further prevention and public-engagement work. Work with the UK Government and other devolved administrations on aerial firefighting capacity will continue. This is not an announcement that aircraft have been bought. The written statement gives no new funding total or delivery dates for individual actions. Some proposals still need development with partners, and further Senedd updates are promised.