A significant wildfire in Blaenavon, South Wales, has expanded to cover approximately 80 hectares of bracken and gorse, with smoke from the blaze now detectable as far as 30 miles away. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has issued a warning for residents to close their windows and doors due to a shift in wind direction overnight.
Blaze Erupted Sunday Evening, Triggering Multiple 999 Calls
The fire first ignited on Sunday evening, July 19, at 8:42 PM, prompting numerous emergency calls. Crews have been working through challenging terrain, access issues, and wind conditions. As of Monday morning, six fire appliances and a water bowser remain on site, supported by SWFRS tactical wildfire officers specially trained for such incidents.
Smoke Impacts Large Area, Public Urged Not to Call Unless New Fire
Residents in Cardiff, Newport, and Caerphilly have reported a strong smell of smoke. SWFRS stated: 'A change in wind direction overnight has seen smoke from the incident impacting a large area of South Wales, and is reported as far south as Caerphilly and Cardiff.' The service advises anyone affected to close windows and doors, and asks the public not to call to report the smoke unless they believe they have spotted a separate fire. The wildfire remains ongoing, and a separate grass fire in Treherbert is also being tackled.
