Written question WQ100149

Investigating the causes of fires is a matter for the Fire and Rescue Service and, where appropriate, the Police. I understand that some recent wildfires are likely to have been deliberately set, while others may have started accidentally or due to carelessness. Determining the exact means of ignition can be difficult as a large wildfire will often completely destroy the area where it originated.

However, disposable barbecues have previously been implicated as the likely cause of numerous wildfires in Wales and elsewhere. Any activity which involves outdoor burning carries this risk, particularly during heatwave conditions.