A major wildfire burning on the mountains surrounding Blaenavon has entered its fourth day, with firefighters battling a blaze stretching across more than 200 hectares – an area roughly equivalent to 300 football pitches. The perimeter of the fire is 5km.
The Welsh Government has warned it will continue to burn for "several days".
Firefighting challenges
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) said the fire, which broke out on Sunday evening, remains a "significant wildfire" covering mixed terrain of fern, gorse and bracken. Fire crews have been working around the clock in hot, smoky and humid conditions, using specialist tactics and equipment to contain the blaze while changing wind conditions continue to spread smoke across large parts of south Wales.
Drone footage captured on Tuesday highlighted the scale of the destruction, showing vast amounts of hillside blackened by the fire. The fire has spread across around 80 hectares of common and pasture land, while protecting nearby properties.
Impact on farmers
Fourth generation sheep farmer Kyle Williams, 42, said his family have been farming in Llanover for more than 100 years. He estimates the local farming community has lost between 40-60% of common land, the main source of food for their livestock.
Mr Williams said: "It has been incredibly concerning, very worrying. The biggest concern is that the area burning is the grazing land for our livestock. The effect is that we will go into winter, or the colder months, with much less food than usual. Thankfully, the fire has just about missed my forestry and my farm, but the loss could have been devastating. Over the last four days we have been working alongside the fire service to create fire breaks, to slow down the spread. The impact on the environment will be huge, on the animals, the birds. This is by far the most devastating fire we have seen in many many years."
Mr Williams explained that the area that has been impacted by the wildfire is classified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Smoke across south Wales
Due to smoke, visibility in areas local to the fires remain poor. The service has urged members of the public to stay away from the area while firefighting operations continue. After a shift in wind direction on Monday night, residents across communities including Cardiff, Newport, Caerphilly, Nantyglo and Brynmawr are continuing to report the smell of smoke - some from as far as 30 miles away.
A SWFRS spokesperson said: "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 on scene includes 4x4 vehicles, drones and i-cutters, which are being used to help manage vegetation and support firefighting operations. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area. Anyone affected by smoke should keep windows and doors closed. As wind conditions change, smoke may affect different parts of South Wales at different times throughout the day."
The incident began on Sunday and continues to present significant challenges for crews working in hot, smoky, and humid conditions both day and night.
Health advice issued
There are growing concerns on the health implications of the blaze, as well as the effects the fire will have on the environment - for wildlife and for local farmers. Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter (PM). These are tiny solid particles and liquid droplets released when vegetation burns. The smallest particles, known as PM2.5, are around 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair and can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
PM10 (particles up to 10 micrometres in diameter) can be inhaled and are associated with irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and can worsen respiratory conditions such as asthma. People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, older adults, children and pregnant women are among those more vulnerable to smoke exposure.
Air quality monitoring in Newport appeared to show the impact of the smoke on Tuesday evening. Data recorded a sharp rise in particulate matter at around 10pm, with PM10 concentrations reaching the "very high" category as smoke drifted across the city.
Public Health Wales has issued fresh advice for people living in areas affected by smoke saying it can irritate your 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. If you have symptoms and they do not improve when inside, away from smoke or ash, ask for advice from your GP or NHS 111."
Ongoing response
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) say it is offering support. "NRW land management teams and NRW ground contractors are on site for a second day to provide support transporting water to firefighters via tractors and water bowsers, helping to maintain essential water supplies close to the fire front. Additional 1,000-litre water containers have also been deployed to increase water storage capacity and support firefighting operations." Farmers, commoners and representatives from the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park are also working under the direction of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to support the ongoing response from a safe distance.
SWFRS thanked partner agencies, including Natural Resources Wales, Public Health Wales, local authorities, local health boards and police, for their ongoing support as efforts continue to bring the wildfire under control. Welsh Government minister Sian Gwenllian thanked firefighters and all those involved. She said: "Crews at South Wales Fire and Rescue are also tackling a difficult and large-scale wildfire in Blaenavon for the third day. The fire is expected to continue burning for several days and firefighters remain at the scene to prevent it from spreading further and putting lives, wildlife and property at risk."
