Residents have shared their terror as another wildfire began raging near homes in south Wales valleys on Saturday night. Pictures from the scene show the mountainside behind Ynyswen and Treherbert in the Rhondda ablaze on Saturday night.
Flames can be seen clearly behind houses. One resident shared the scene from her house as a terrifying orange glow from the fire can be seen through the glass in her front door.
Blaze close to properties
"The blaze is up on the mountainside up above Treherbert and Ynyswen, near Treorchy," said one resident at the scene. The resident, who didn't want to be identified, said that the fire was around 200 yards from properties in nearby Corbett Street, Baglan Street and further down the valley as the flames spread.
"It was smoking this morning, I noticed when I was walking the dog and it's got worse from then." She said that firefighters tackling the blaze had run out of drinking water so local residents put their cash together to buy more water supplies for the team.
Major incident update
The alarming scenes were shared as South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) issued a major incident update on Saturday night, August 15. SWFRS said crews continue to tackle "significant widespread wildfires" after another day of high temperatures across Wales.
"The ongoing incidents continue to place considerable demand on Service resources," said SWFRS, who have been approached for more information on the Rhondda Fawr blaze this evening. "Today alone, our crews have responded to 14 concurrent wildfire incidents, with firefighters working with extreme professionalism and bravery to protect communities, homes, businesses, wildlife, and the environment," SWFRS said in an update. "Our ongoing response continues to be supported by mutual aid from neighbouring fire and rescue services across the UK."
Arrests and other fires
Three 14-year-old boys were arrested in connection with one of the fires on Friday. They were released on police bail. There was a fire on Cwm mountain on Friday night, and homes have been evacuated in Torfaen, Porth, Merthyr Tydfil and Llandovery as firefighters from across the UK help work to contain the blazes. Another blaze started on Saturday near Pontypridd Golf Club.
This evening SWFRS sent an update on the Cwm fire, saying: "Crews remain on scene at an incident in Cwm, Ebbw Vale. Smoke from the incident is affecting parts of the local area. Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed."
