Emergency services fighting a huge wildfire in Blaenavon have issued an update. Firefighters received the initial call on Sunday evening, July 19, describing it as a "significant wildfire." As of Friday, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) said the blaze has affected 220 hectares of mixed land in the area. Crews remain at the scene using specialist wildfire resources in challenging terrain.
Full perimeter line established
In an update on Friday, the service said it has completed a full perimeter line around the incident. This offers a line of protection with the aim of keeping the incident contained. A spokesman added: "Crews will remain in attendance for as long as necessary to ensure the incident is brought to a safe conclusion."
Helicopter deployment to North Wales
Earlier this week, Natural Resources Wales confirmed that a specialist firefighting helicopter will be deployed to the Rhinogydd in North Wales to support the ongoing response to the wildfire there. This followed sustained efforts to secure aerial support during a period of exceptional demand from wildfire incidents elsewhere in the UK. While the helicopter is being deployed to support the response in the Rhinogydd, its availability will continue to be assessed in line with operational needs across Wales and the wider UK.
A spokesman said: "Should other Fire and Rescue Service require aerial support for incidents in their area, NRW will remain in close contact to understand those needs and consider how best to assist alongside partner agencies."
Health advice and community impact
As part of the update, Public Health Wales and local NHS partners have reminded residents that smoke from wildfires can affect air quality over a wide area. The advice reads: "If wildfire smoke is affecting your area, stay indoors where possible and keep windows and doors closed. Once the smoke has cleared and it is safe to do so, open windows and doors to help cool your home and improve ventilation. Always carry any prescribed inhalers or medication. If you become unwell, you can get advice from NHS 111, your local pharmacy, your GP, in an emergency by dialling 999, or by attending your nearest emergency department."
Local authorities are working alongside emergency services and partner organisations to monitor the impact on local communities and provide support where required. Agencies continue to assess the situation and will respond to emerging community needs.
Police and arson reduction efforts
Gwent Police is supporting the emergency response and continues to assist with public safety, traffic management and maintaining access for emergency vehicles. A spokesman said: "We ask members of the public to avoid the affected area unless travel is essential and not to enter surrounding open countryside, as conditions can change quickly and may present risks."
Arson reduction teams from SWFRS are working with the police in the area, sharing prevention advice and endorsing the national Wildfire Wise campaign, which offers guidance on BBQs and behaviours which inevitably become more high risk during prolonged spells of warm and dry weather. "We acknowledge there have been community concerns regarding potentially careless fire safety behaviours, so we would ask anyone who sees suspicious activity to contact Gwent Police through 101 or in the event of an active fire to call 999 and request the fire service. We recognise that this incident has caused concern for residents and disruption to the surrounding area. We would like to thank the public for their patience, cooperation and for the many messages of support received for emergency service personnel and partner agencies working throughout the incident."
The response remains coordinated through multi-agency arrangements, with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Public Health Wales, Aneurin Bevan University Health board, local authorities, Natural Resources Wales, Gwent Police and other partner organisations. Further updates will be issued through official agency channels as the situation develops.
