Four teenage boys, aged 14, have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a wildfire spread across a Rhondda valley on Thursday. The boys have been released on police bail, according to an update from police on Friday evening.
Blaze Spreads Quickly
Emergency services were called to the scene of a raging wildfire in Porth on Thursday evening. Locals reported seeing flames spread all the way across from Pleasant Heights to Pontygwaith within minutes. Families were evacuated from their homes as the blaze was brought under control.
Multiple Wildfires Across Wales
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are currently tackling several wildfires. These are located in Tredegar, Van Road, Garth, Blaenavon, Ebbw Vale, Merthyr Tydfil, and Penrhys. Emergency services in Wales are so stretched that the military have been called in to assist the effort, alongside several English fire services.
Police Appeal
Detective Inspector Steve Jones said on Friday evening: "These incidents put communities at risk, can impact people's health, threaten wildlife, and divert emergency resources away from people who need us."
"Deliberately starting fires is a criminal offence. If you see suspicious behaviour or have information about deliberate fire-setting, please report it to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or the police by calling 101."
