Firefighters are battling a significant wildfire on Maerdy Mountain, with dramatic pictures showing a long strip of flames burning the mountainside as smoke fills the sky above homes.
Crews from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have been at the scene throughout Monday, August 24. Photographs taken on Monday afternoon show the extent of the blaze, which was confirmed as ongoing by a service spokesman on Monday evening.
Drone warning issued
A statement shared by the service at around 9.30pm urged people to refrain from flying drones over the area. It reads: "Crews are currently dealing with a wildfire at Maerdy Mountain. Do not fly drones over this area as it will impact operational activity."
The statement adds: "Please avoid the area, and close windows and doors if affected by smoke. Thank you for your cooperation."
MP's anger at repeated fires
Sir Chris Bryant MP, who represents Rhondda and Ogmore, said he is "deeply angry" to see ongoing fires in his constituency, including this one in Maerdy. Another fire has been ongoing in Porth.
He shared: "I am deeply angry to see more mountain fires tonight. As a result, there are road closures in place causing more disruption for residents."
"After weeks of fires across our communities, our firefighters and emergency services should not have to be heading back out again, putting themselves in danger and spending yet more time tackling fires that devastate our mountains and wildlife."
He added: "These fires are not harmless. They spread rapidly, threaten homes, damage the landscape for years to come and place enormous pressure on the emergency services."
Appeal to the public
Sir Chris thanked every firefighter and emergency service responder on the scene, saying: "You should not have to be doing this again."
He urged the public: "Please, everyone, take care and think about the consequences of anything that could start a fire. We cannot keep putting our emergency services, our communities and our mountains through this."
The wildfire is one of many that Wales has seen this summer, with residents asked to keep their windows and doors closed as smoke affects the area.
