A popular swimming and hiking spot in South Wales has been closed as emergency services use its water to fight a major wildfire that has been burning for six days.
Beauty spot becomes water source
Keeper's Pond, also known as Pen-ffordd-goch Pond, is a scenic destination on the slopes of the Blorenge, attracting walkers, nature lovers and swimmers. The closure comes as firefighters continue battling a significant wildfire on Mynydd Garnclochdy, between Blaenavon and Abersychan in Torfaen, where flames have spread across more than 200 hectares of mountainside.
The blaze began on the evening of Sunday, July 19, and remains a "significant wildfire", with crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service facing difficult conditions across steep terrain covered with dry fern, gorse and bracken.
Firefighters draw from pond
Firefighters have been drawing water from Keeper's Pond to help tackle the fire, which has already destroyed hundreds of acres of common land, making the beauty spot an important operational base.
Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park Authority confirmed the Keeper's Pond car park has been closed while firefighting operations continue, urging the public to stay away for their own safety and to allow emergency services unrestricted access.
Authority statement
In a statement shared on social media, the National Park Authority said: "Due to the wildfire in the Blaenavon area, Keepers Pond car park is currently closed. Emergency services are using the pond as a water source to help tackle the fire. For everyone's safety, please avoid the area until further notice."
The authority added that updates on the reopening will be provided as soon as more information becomes available and thanked the public for their cooperation and understanding.
