Written question WQ99911

We are reviewing the existing arrangements for Welsh Fire and Rescue Services to source aerial support, and will be discussing with the UK government and devolved governments the potential for a co-ordinated response to this problem as a UK wide issue.

I also expect it to be discussed at the Summit which the Prif Weinidog announced he will convene later this year, alongside wider preventative and operational action can be taken.

Whilst the main and most effective means of tackling wildfire is from ground level, aircraft can often make a valuable contribution in that compliments the work of firefighters on the ground.

Aerial firefighting is highly specialised work. There are only very few helicopters and pilots in the UK capable of undertaking it; the armed forces have no UK-based capability in this area.