Two teenage boys have been arrested in connection with a fire that spread across a Welsh mountain earlier this week. The blaze on Drummau Mountain in Skewen, Neath, was started deliberately, police have confirmed.
Fire burned for more than a day
Firefighters were called to the scene on Monday, with the fire starting at around 6pm. It was only brought under control late on Tuesday evening. Crews from Neath, Pontardawe, Reynoldston, Swansea Central, Swansea West, Port Talbot, Amman Valley, Llanelli, Pontarddulais, Cymmer, Morriston and Ammanford fire stations attended the incident.
Residents reported fearing for their safety as the fire crept towards their homes. Many said they smelled thick smoke across the Neath Port Talbot county on Monday night and throughout Tuesday.
Two teenagers arrested
In an update on Wednesday, police said two local teenage boys had been arrested in connection with the fire. A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson with intent to endanger life, and a 17-year-old boy was arrested on the same suspicion. Both are in police custody.
A South Wales Police spokesperson said: "Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with a deliberately-set fire on Mynydd Drumau in Neath Port Talbot on Monday evening (August 24)."
"A 15-year-old boy from Neath Abbey has been arrested on suspicion of attempted arson with intent to endanger life. A 17-year-old boy from Skewen has been arrested on suspicion of arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered and criminal damage to property. Both are currently in police custody."
Fire service under pressure
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) issued a statement on Wednesday regarding the pressure it has been under following unprecedented demand caused by deliberately-set fires in the region in recent weeks.
Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery said: "Recent weeks have presented some of the most significant operational challenges our service has faced in recent years.
"A critical incident team was established due to the number of large-scale incidents crews were responding to simultaneously. Thankfully, due to the progress made by our dedicated crews, this team has since been stood down."
"The willingness of communities to assist, often at short notice and during difficult circumstances, has played a significant role in helping our crews respond effectively and safely, and we are very grateful for their support."
