Written question WQ100219
- Asked by
- Nick CarterPlaid
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 6 days
Question
What is the Welsh Government doing to review whether firefighters have suitable protective gear, the necessary specialist capability such as helicopters and sufficient welfare facilities during an emergency such as the recent wildfires?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning (Siân Gwenllian)
It is for each Fire and Rescue Service to provide firefighters with appropriate personal protective equipment and welfare facilities. While the recent outbreaks of wildfire have placed the Service under exceptional strain, I am not aware of any significant concerns about this particular issue.
Helicopters can make a useful contribution to tackling wildfires in some cases, by complementing the ground-level firefighting operations which will always be necessary. However, the commercial capability to undertake aerial firefighting in the UK is currently very limited, and in recent weeks demand has significantly exceeded supply in Wales and elsewhere. I and my officials have had extensive recent discussions with the Fire and Rescue Services about this issue, but the only sustainable solution is likely to mean increasing civilian or military capabilities at a UK level.