FIREFIGHTERS across Wales attended 26 incidents on Christmas Day last year, according to figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service recorded the highest number of incidents with 21, while South Wales Fire and Rescue Service attended three, and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to two.

SIX-YEAR OVERVIEW

Over the past six Christmases, Welsh fire services responded to 147 incidents on Christmas Day:

• North Wales Fire and Rescue Service: 77 incidents
• South Wales Fire and Rescue Service: 52 incidents
• Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service: 18 incidents

Incidents by Year:

• 2018: 18 incidents
• 2019: 27 incidents
• 2020: 27 incidents
• 2021: 27 incidents
• 2022: 22 incidents
• 2023: 26 incidents

COOKING AND CHRISTMAS TREES

Cooking appliances were a leading cause of fires during the festive period, with 22 incidents recorded over six years. These included incidents caused by burnt food, built-up grease, and igniting fat.

Cooking-Related Fires by Year:

• 2018: 2
• 2019: 4
• 2020: 2
• 2021: 5
• 2022: 6
• 2023: 3

In addition, three incidents over the same period involved Christmas trees as a contributing factor:

• 2018: 1
• 2019: 1
• 2020: 1

SAFETY REMINDERS

Josh Edwards, who analysed the data, highlighted the importance of staying vigilant about fire safety during Christmas.

He said: “If you’re going away for Christmas or leaving your home unattended, fire safety should be a top priority.”

Key Fire Safety Tips Include:

• Unplug festive lights and decorations when unattended.
• Switch off heaters, ovens, and chargers before leaving.
• Keep kitchen counters and stovetops clear of flammable items.
• Test smoke alarms and replace batteries if necessary.

Taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of fires over the festive season.

Pic: Herald

HYWEL DDA University Health Board is appealing to the public to carefully consider how they access healthcare services as local A&E units, including Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, face increasing pressure.

A spokesperson said: “Our services are under pressure. Please help us to help you by choosing how you access our services carefully, ensuring that emergency departments (A&E) are reserved for urgent or life-threatening care needs.”

Unwell and unsure what to do?

If you’re unwell and uncertain about the best course of action, the Health Board recommends visiting the online symptom checker or calling NHS 111 Wales for advice.

When to attend A&E

Emergency Departments should only be used for life-threatening illnesses or serious injuries, such as:

• Severe breathing difficulties
• Severe pain or bleeding
• Chest pain or suspected stroke
• Serious trauma injuries (e.g., from a car crash)

Minor Injuries Units (MIUs)

For less serious injuries, MIUs offer treatment for:

• Minor wounds, burns, or scalds
• Insect bites
• Minor limb, head, or face injuries
• Foreign bodies in the nose or ear

MIUs are available at Cardigan Integrated Care Centre, Tenby Hospital, and main acute hospitals. Visit the Minor Injuries Unit page for opening hours and directions.

Urgent care, not an emergency

For urgent health needs that cannot wait but are not emergencies, call NHS 111 Wales for advice or access to out-of-hours GP services. This free service is available 24/7.

Mental health support

If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 Wales and select option 2 to speak with a mental health professional. The number is free to call, even from a mobile with no credit.

Community care options

Community pharmacies offer walk-in services for common ailments such as sore throats, hay fever, and conjunctivitis. A full list of ailments and participating pharmacies can be found on the Common Ailments Service pages.

Helping reduce hospital stays

The Health Board emphasizes the importance of reducing hospital stays to ensure acute care is available for those who need it most. If a loved one is ready to be discharged, families are urged to collect them promptly to free up beds for other patients.

For more information on the inpatient experience, visit the Inpatient Information pages.

A thank you from the NHS

The Health Board expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation: “Your support not only helps you and your loved ones but also eases the strain on NHS and social care services.”

For further updates, contact:
Hywel Dda University Health Board Media Office
Email: [email protected]

PEMBROKESHIRE has taken a monumental step forward in the green energy revolution with the approval of a major green hydrogen plant.

RWE, Wales’s largest power producer, confirmed this week (Dec 17) that its Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant has been granted full planning permission by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The proposed facility will feature a 100MWe electrolyser capable of producing around two tonnes of hydrogen every hour. This green hydrogen is set to play a key role in decarbonising industrial activities across South Wales.

A local push for net zero

The project is a cornerstone of RWE’s Pembroke Net Zero Centre, which aims to harness Pembrokeshire’s rich energy heritage to drive forward innovation in renewable energy. Once operational, the plant is expected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 93,000 tonnes each year — the equivalent of taking 18,600 cars off the road annually.

The investment will also safeguard existing jobs at the Pembroke Power Station, inject significant economic benefits into the area, and create new opportunities during both the construction and operational phases.

Sopna Sury, Chief Operating Officer for Hydrogen at RWE Generation, praised the local authority for its collaborative approach:
“It is fantastic to have reached this milestone. Pembrokeshire is firmly positioning itself as a leader in the green hydrogen revolution, driving the energy transition and innovation in renewable technology.”

Securing Pembrokeshire’s energy future

The Pembroke Green Hydrogen project underscores RWE’s integral role in the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC), a coalition working to decarbonise industries across the region. SWIC has been pivotal in securing development funding and shaping the plant’s roadmap to success.

Local MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, Henry Tufnell, hailed the approval as a major breakthrough:
“This project highlights Pembrokeshire’s ability to lead in renewable energy technologies, delivering solutions that not only cut emissions but also ensure a sustainable energy future. The Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant is a game-changer for our region and our nation.”

Leading the charge in clean energy

RWE’s commitment to renewable energy is unmatched, with a diverse portfolio spanning onshore and offshore wind, hydro, and biomass. The Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant will cement Pembrokeshire’s reputation as a hub of clean energy innovation, contributing significantly to the UK Government’s ambitious target of 10GW of green hydrogen capacity by 2030.

With planning approval secured, the focus now shifts to finalising government funding and investment decisions. The Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant is poised to be a defining feature of Pembrokeshire’s energy landscape and a vital step toward achieving net-zero emissions.