There is a “terrifying prospect” of more UK wildfires in future due to climate change and preparation will be “crucial”, the Prince of Wales has said.
Visiting Treherbert in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which was threatened by a huge mountain fire in August, Prince William praised a “gargantuan” effort to save homes, land and lives.
“We need to start taking wildfires as seriously as the continent has done,” he said, raising issues such as a lack of firefighting aircraft.
He also suggested the community’s response to the incident was an example for others to follow, after locals rallied around to support those fighting the flames.
The hillside, just metres away from the community centre where Prince William met fire crews, military personnel and local volunteers is burnt black.
“You looked up [and] the mountain was alight – it was like lava,” explained Kath Edwards, managing director of charity Valleys Kids, which runs the building.
“I genuinely thought we were going to lose the centre – but more importantly people were going to lose their homes.
“You never think this is going to come literally to your door and that’s what it was – it was just crazy.”
