Following our extraordinary public meeting in Pendine, where residents raised urgent concerns over public safety, access gridlock, and the devastating impact of wildfires at Morfa Bychan, Gareth Beer MS took our demands straight to the Welsh Government.
We have now received a formal response from Siân Gwenllian MS, Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning.
Below is an overview of how the Minister addressed the five key points raised in Gareth’s letter:
1. Emergency Powers for Local Authorities
The Minister noted that responding to fires is the sole domain of the Fire and Rescue Service and the Police, who are already fully empowered, stating there is no obvious need for local authorities to hold duplicate emergency functions.
2. Protection of Critical Utilities & SSSI Land
The Welsh Government pointed to existing work by electricity operators and water companies (as Category Two responders under the Civil Contingencies Act) to protect assets during incidents. Furthermore, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the upcoming Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) will focus on vegetation and fuel-load management to protect vulnerable SSSI lands from future fires.
3. Community Council Financial Support
Regarding the financial burden placed on local community councils, the Minister advised that councils should work directly with Carmarthenshire County Council to explore access to the Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme when activated.
4. Multi-Agency Action & Wales-Wide Summit
Crucially, in response to our call for joined-up action, the Minister confirmed that the Prif Weinidog will convene a multi-agency summit later this year. This national summit will bring together key partners to improve prevention, preparedness, and response to wildfires across Wales.
5. Legal Protections & Deliberate Fire-Setting
Addressing concerns over intentional acts, the Minister highlighted that existing laws covering arson carry penalties up to life imprisonment, which the government deems sufficient legal deterrence.
Our Next Steps
While the announcement of a national summit is a positive step forward, residents in Pendine need practical, on-the-ground measures, including clear access control and local traffic management, to ensure history does not repeat itself. We will continue pressing Carmarthenshire County Council and emergency partners for immediate progress.
The response letter is available to view in full below.
Full Ministerial Response Letter
Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning
Ref: SG/05795/26
Date: 14 September 2026
One thought on “Response from Cardiff Bay: Welsh Government Replies to Our Morfa Bychan Wildfire Representations”
Comments are closed.