A major incident has been declared as flames continue to burn on a mountain above the small Valleys village of Llanwonno, above the Rhondda Fach. The fire, which began on Saturday afternoon, has been burning for almost three days and has scorched land the size of over 200 football pitches.
Residents Advised to Stay Indoors
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has asked people to avoid the area and to stay indoors where possible, keeping windows and doors shut to reduce the impact of smoke. No homes have been evacuated, but Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has set up a rest centre at Rhondda Fach Leisure Centre for residents of Blaenllechau and Ferndale who do not wish to remain in their homes due to poor air quality.
Scale of the Fire
Around 20 fire engines are currently in attendance, supported by two specialist wildfire teams, senior officers, a high-volume pumping unit, and drone capability. The fire has affected Natural Resources Wales (NRW) forestry at Llanwonno, involving bracken, scrub, and vegetation across an area estimated at around 150 hectares at its largest extent.
Ongoing Efforts and Community Support
SWFRS said the incident is expected to continue for a number of days. Crews have been working continuously in challenging conditions on steep and difficult terrain, creating and maintaining firebreaks to contain the spread and protect nearby communities. The fire service has thanked the community for support but said no refreshments or donations are needed at the scene, directing any offers to the Firefighters Charity.
