Residents in Cardiff reported being woken in the middle of the night by a strong smell of smoke as wildfires continue to burn across Wales. A "significant" fire in Blaenavon has been burning for a fourth day, with thick smoke traveling across south Wales.
Smoke detected 30 miles away
People have reported smelling smoke from the blaze, which covers an area as large as 300 football pitches, in communities as far as 30 miles away, including Cardiff. Residents in Caerphilly, Newport and Rhondda Cynon Taf have also been affected by the hazy air.
Fire service and public health officials are reminding the public to keep doors and windows closed if they can smell the smoke.
Residents describe the smell
Kim Thomas, out walking her dog with husband Paul in Lakeside, said she was woken by the smell of smoke on Monday night. "Because of the heat we’ve had the windows open and it woke me up because we could smell burning," she said. Paul said he first noticed the smell when he opened the back door: "There was a burning smell - I really didn’t understand where it could be coming from or what it was."
Kim said despite the fire being a "distance" from Cardiff, she feels she has been left with a scratchy throat. "When we look on our landing there’s a hue across towards Caerphilly mountain so we have noticed it, and it’s not very nice."
Oliver Parry, who lives in Cwmbran, said there has been a strong smell of smoke for days. Speaking in Cardiff, he said he was "surprised" at the smell in the city too. "It's a little bit worse in Cwmbran but I was surprised when I got out of my car this morning that it was still as strong as it is down here." He has been keeping windows and doors closed despite the heat: "I know it’s hot so it’s difficult, but it’s better than flooding your house with the smell."
Robert Morris said the smell is "noticeable" but not causing him any bother.
Health advice and crisis response
Public Health Wales said smoke can irritate eyes, nose and throat, and may cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. "Stay indoors and keep windows closed. If you are travelling, keep your vehicle windows closed, and switch air conditioning to recirculation mode. Keep inhalers and medication with you."
The warning comes as the Welsh Government activated "crisis management arrangements" in response to the large number of wildfires. It said the Ministry of Defence reported no helicopters available to help crews.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the Blaenavon fire now covers more than 200 hectares with a perimeter of approximately 5km. "Crews continue to tackle the fire across mixed terrain and vegetation including fern, gorse and bracken. A range of specialist tactics are being used to mitigate and minimise the spread of the fire, including cutting fire breaks and carrying out controlled burns."
Specialist equipment includes 4x4 vehicles, drones and i-cutters. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area. Those affected by smoke should keep windows and doors closed. As wind conditions change, smoke may affect different parts of South Wales at different times.
The incident began on Sunday and continues to present significant challenges for crews working in hot, smoky, and humid conditions both day and night.
