Soldiers praised for 'phenomenal job' helping crews tackle wildfires
Military personnel have been deployed to assist firefighters in south Wales as they battle dozens of wildfires. The soldiers are providing logistical support, such as building fire breaks, to allow specialist crews to focus on direct firefighting efforts.
Why it matters
The use of military resources to combat domestic wildfires highlights the increasing strain on emergency services due to extreme weather events.
Image source, MOD Image caption, Soldiers from 10 Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment are among 200 military personnel helping with wildfires in south Wales
A chief fire officer has praised soldiers for supporting crews tackling wildfires in south Wales.
Fin Monahan said South Wales Fire and Rescue Service was under severe pressure and very grateful to seven other fire services and the military for help.
About 200 members of the Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, with support from 22 Royal Engineers, Royal Logistics Corp and Army helicopters have been been involved.
Crews from London, Cumbria and elsewhere have also been providing support.
Monahan told the BBC the UK and Welsh governments took "a very serious step" in bringing in the military but the "extra capacity" was needed as crews fought dozens of fires across the country.
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