FIRE services are in a “state of emergency” in Wales, the Fire Brigades Union warns after a second report in a week finds serious failings.

A Welsh government report, published this week, found North Wales Fire and Rescue Service was failing to meet its legal duties to risk assess for incidents including house fires.

Now His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has raised concerns over South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS’s) “performance in keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks.”

While SWFRS commissioners welcomed the report “as a solid assessment of performance,” FBU executive council member for Wales Gareth Tovey said: “Fire and rescue services in Wales are in a state of emergency due to years of underfunding.

“Today’s report by the inspectorate comes as no surprise. 

“Firefighters across Wales are working in smaller crews covering larger areas with fewer resources, all while tackling increasing extreme weather events such as wildfires and flooding. 

“We need to see properly funded fire and rescue services, fit to face the challenges laid out in these reports and ready to tackle emerging new risks.”