No helicopters to fight wildfires as 'crisis management' plans activated

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. No helicopters to fight wildfires as 'crisis management' plans activated Figure caption, Aerial view of the wildfires in Trawsfynydd ByNicholas BourneBBC WalesPublished22 July 2026, 17:14 BSTUpdated 15 minutes agoThe Welsh government has activated "crisis management arrangements" due to the number of wildfires across the nation. It comes amid criticism from residents over a lack of resources like helicopters to tackle the fires, some of which have been burning for days across north and south Wales. The Welsh government said North Wales Fire and Rescue had received extra resources but aerial support was not available anywhere in the UK.

However, it said "urgent discussions are now underway both within Wales and at a UK level to identify how this can be resolved". Meanwhile, firefighters are tackling a big blaze in south Wales for a third day, with the smoke travelling 30 miles (48km) away. Image source, Caroline MasonImage caption, The scale of the mountain fire near Trawsfynydd has prompted people to call for helicopters to be brought in to help fight the flames A 4,000-name petition calling for aerial help was prompted by one fire spreading into Coed y Brenin in Conwy county.

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The Welsh government said the most effective means of fighting wildfires "was at ground level, and that is exactly what our firefighters are doing with great skill and dedication". North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said crews were continuing to deal with a wildfire at Capelulo near Sychnant Pass, in the wake of a large grass fire on Conwy Mountain. There is also a multi-agency response following a blaze on Rhinogydd mountains in Gwynedd, where householders have been advised to keep windows and doors closed.

Elsewhere, firefighters are dealing with grass fires at Hope Mountain and Brymbo in Wrexham county, Pentrefelin, Holyhead, and Pentre Halkyn, overlooking the A55 in Flintshire. Image source, Pat O'NeillImage caption, People living close to the Rhinogydd mountains have been advised to keep doors and windows closedEcologist Angharad Owen, who started the petition calling for aerial support to tackle blazes in remote places like Rhinogydd, said they were "proven to be highly effective in managing and extinguishing wildfires swiftly". "These resources can access remote and rugged terrains, dropping water and fire retardant directly on the fire's critical areas, something that ground forces might struggle with in vast and challenging landscapes like Rhinogydd," she said.

"It is devastating to see our natural environment being harmed by this wildfire. "Not only is this impacting our vital ecosystems and the wildlife that calls it home, but it is also posing serious risks to human health and safety. "In south Wales, firefighters have been tackling a wildfire at Blaenavon in Torfaen county for the third day, with smoke affecting communities across a wider part of the region.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.