More than 70% of fires attended by South Wales Fire Service were started deliberately

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More than 70% of fires attended by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service over the past year were started deliberately, according to newly published figures.

Data released in the service’s Annual Performance Assessment for 2025/2026 shows crews attended 6,177 fires across south Wales, with 4,386 recorded as deliberate.

These included 1,163 deliberate wildfires and 56 deliberate residential fires.

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In total, the service handled 40,160 emergency 999 calls and responded to 18,072 incidents between April 2025 and March 2026. Crews also attended 1,003 road traffic collisions.

Alongside emergency responses, firefighters completed 19,341 home safety checks, delivered 30,230 safety talks, and carried out 606 business fire safety audits.

The service is currently undertaking a Fire Cover Review and preparing a Community Risk Management Plan, which will determine future station staffing, equipment locations, and how crews respond to emergencies.

A public consultation on the Community Risk Management Plan is open until December 21.

Chief Fire Officer Fin Monahan thanked firefighters and staff for their commitment and professionalism, but said: “There is still work to do, and we must maintain momentum.

“Our focus must remain on delivering meaningful, sustainable improvement; using data and evidence to guide our decisions; listening to our staff and communities; and ensuring that our actions make south Wales safer.”

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