A couple living in Treorchy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, have expressed growing concern over the increasing threat of wildfires near their home, citing climate change as a likely contributor to worsening conditions. Alison and Ian Jones watched anxiously last month as a blaze raced down the mountain behind their house, narrowly prevented from reaching their property thanks to the efforts of fire crews.
Ian noted that while their situation isn’t comparable to wildfires in places like Los Angeles or Spain, there is uncertainty about what lies ahead. “We’re not on that scale, but who knows what’s coming?” he said. The fire on March 21 came alarmingly close, prompting him to cut down a tree near the roof for safety. His main worry, however, is for the safety of the firefighters who routinely risk their lives to protect local homes.
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Professor Stefan Doerr of Swansea University’s Centre for Wildfire Research explained that milder winters are allowing more vegetation to grow, and with spring droughts, the conditions have become increasingly hazardous. He warned that such weather patterns could result in “more fires and longer fire seasons” in the future. Alison Jones expressed faith in local fire crews, who she says know the terrain well. However, the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires are stretching firefighting resources and increasing the risks faced by responders.
