In recent months, communities in Monmouthshire have seen numerous instances of wildfires, most notably on the Sugar Loaf and Blorenge mountains, with some quite striking images seen of the mountainsides burning.

Member of the Senedd for Monmouth, Peter Fox has called for a statement by the Welsh Government on wildfires in Wales.

Peter Fox paid tribute to the fire and Rescue services and thanked them for their major efforts in keeping the public safe.

Mr Fox called for a statement by the Cabinet Secretary for housing and local Government, outlining what support the Welsh Government are making available to the Welsh Fire and Rescue Services to address the real issue of wildfires, and to ask what can be done to help educate the wider public.

Local MS for Monmouth, Peter Fox has said: “This warmer weather is welcomed by the most, but we have to mindful of the risks that it can bring, especially when dealing with wildfires.”

“The grass is drier, and we are seeing less rain, making the change of a fire beginning much higher. We all know that wildfires can be caused naturally, but there ca also be an external ignition source.” Said Mr Fox

“We see more and more people using disposable barbecues, those can trigger these wildfires, and people need to be responsible.”

“I would like to play tribute to our excellent Fire and Rescue services across Wales, who risk their lives every day, without question to ensure we are all safe.”

“The fire service is a devolved area to Welsh Government, so I have called for a statement to address the issue of wildfires, and to see what more can be done to educate the wider public on the associated risks.”