Alison and Ian Jones watched in terror last month as a wildfire raced down a mountainside toward their home in Treorchy, Rhondda Cynon Taf. Although fire crews successfully stopped the flames just short of their property, the experience has left them fearing for the future especially as climate change intensifies the risk.
“We’re concerned every year because of mountain fires coming down to the edge of Treorchy,” said Ian. “But the blaze on 21 March got a little bit close to the house. It’s worrying. You see the wildfires in Los Angeles and Spain who’s to say that won’t happen here someday?”
Alison, who was home alone during the incident, praised local firefighters for their bravery and knowledge. “Most of the firemen know the area so well and they know how to manage it,” she said, adding that their swift response gave her reassurance in a moment of fear.
Experts agree that the danger is growing. Professor Stefan Doerr, who leads Swansea University’s Centre for Wildfire Research (CWR), warns that climate change is extending the fire season and making wildfires more frequent and intense. “Milder winters allow more vegetation to grow, and when that’s followed by spring droughts, it creates perfect conditions for wildfires,” he explained.
This year has already proven especially challenging, with firefighters battling multiple blazes across Wales. In Ceredigion, one councillor described crews as being “on their knees” from exhaustion.
Mr. Jones echoed those concerns. “My biggest fear is for the safety of the firefighters. They put their lives on the line every time they go up there.” Following the fire scare, he made the decision to fell a tree close to his roof, a precautionary measure he hopes will help in the future.
With 20 years of experience living near the mountain, the couple say wildfires have become an annual occurrence—but now, they fear they may be facing a more dangerous era.
“We’ve had fires every year,” said Ian, “but it feels like something is changing—and not for the better.”
