Four 14-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire was set on a mountain in South Wales, police said. The teenagers have since been bailed under investigation, the force added.
Police investigation into deliberate fire
Police in Wales are investigating a 'deliberate fire' that was set on the mountain near Pleasant Heights in Porth.
In an update on Facebook, Detective Inspector Steve Jones said: "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."
Wildfires across the region
Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described Britain as "a tinderbox right now" with "37 fires smouldering around the country". In a large area across South Wales, around 100 military personnel from the Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, supported by the 22 Engineer Regiment, were deployed to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. Among their equipment are four water bowsers, each capable of storing and transporting 20,000 litres of water.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) have declared a major incident and is tackling wildfires across the region. There are wildfires in: Tredegar; Pontllanfraith; Van Road, Garth; Ebbw Vale; Blaenavon; Porth; Merthyr Tydfil; and Penrhys. Police have shut roads in Cwm - the fire is spreading rapidly there.
Emergency alert sent to phones
It comes as Brits were left shocked after millions across England and Wales were sent a blaring Government emergency alert tonight with a stark warning. Phones sounded with the siren-like warning at around 7pm on Friday 14, with residents, and visitors urged not to do anything that could spark a blaze. It was the first time a national alert to phones had ever been used by the government, following tests in the past and regional warnings sent to devices.
The alert warned against disposable barbecues, fire pits, garden incinerators and fireworks, adding: "Even a small flame can rapidly develop into a major wildfire placing lives, homes, businesses and emergency responders at risk."
The Emergency Alerts system was launched in April 2023 and allows warnings to be sent directly to compatible mobile phones where there is a danger to life. It has previously been used during major incidents including Storm Éowyn in January 2025, when around 4.5million people across Scotland and Northern Ireland received an urgent warning over extreme weather.
