The Welsh Government confirmed on 14 August 2026 that a formal request for military support to firefighters in South Wales has been agreed, and that both South Wales and Mid and West Wales Fire Services have declared major incidents because of fires in multiple locations1. The update was issued as a written statement by Elin Jones MS, Cabinet Minister for Finance1.
The statement describes the wildfires across Wales as ongoing and unprecedented, and says they are placing immense pressure on fire and rescue services and other agencies1. It says support is being offered to residents in Newbridge who have suffered the loss of their homes, and that many communities across the country have been significantly affected1. The incidents are being managed through a multi-agency emergency structure covering all organisations involved in the response, including the Welsh Government1.
The Welsh Government said it had been supporting South Wales Fire and Rescue Service in a formal MACA (Military Aid to the Civilian Authorities) request to deploy Army resources to assist with current operations1. The statement says the Welsh Government stands ready to provide funding for these military support operations should this be required1. It also says the First Minister attended a COBR meeting earlier in the week to update on the situation in Wales, and emphasised the need for co-ordinated action across the UK, including potential deployment of military assets to support firefighters1.
"This has now been agreed, and we are extremely grateful to the Army for providing this additional support."
The statement says the risk of further wildfires remains very high given the prolonged dry and hot weather1. It asks the public to continue to play their part by behaving responsibly, which it says means avoiding any activity that could cause fire1. It says the Welsh Government and partners continue to emphasise consistent public messaging on prevention of accidental and deliberate fires, public safety, rapid reporting of fires where there is an immediate risk to life or property, and protecting vulnerable people from smoke impacts1. It adds that it is vital the advice of the emergency services is followed at all times, so that they can focus all their resources on dealing with the situation and keeping people and property safe1.
| Item | Detail as stated on 14 August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Fire services with major incidents declared | South Wales Fire and Rescue Service; Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service1 |
| Military support | MACA request by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service for Army resources; agreed1 |
| Funding | Welsh Government stands ready to provide funding for military support operations if required1 |
| Fire risk | Risk of further wildfires remains very high given prolonged dry and hot weather1 |
| Residents affected | Support offered to residents in Newbridge who have lost their homes1 |
Why it matters for households
The statement applies to the areas covered by South Wales and Mid and West Wales fire services, where major incidents are in place because of fires in multiple locations1. The Welsh Government says the risk of further wildfires remains very high in the current dry and hot weather, and that households are being asked to avoid any activity that could cause fire1. It also asks for fires to be reported rapidly where there is an immediate risk to life or property, and highlights protecting vulnerable people from smoke impacts1. The statement says it is vital that the advice of the emergency services is followed at all times1. What the agreed Army deployment will consist of, and when it begins, has not been reported in the statement1. The guide to what a major incident declaration means and the guide to Armed Forces support in a civil emergency set out the background, and the heatwaves and drought hub covers the current dry conditions.
What happens next
The statement was issued during recess to keep members informed, and an oral statement and questions will be timetabled for the first Senedd plenary session following recess1. No date for that session is given in the statement1.
Military Support in Emergencies
Major Incident Declared
