Torfaen Council has warned people not to swim at a popular beauty spot near Blaenavon, which is currently being used as a vital resource for emergency services.
Pond used for firefighting operations
Keeper's Pond, also known as Pen-ffordd-goch Pond, is a well-known attraction and hiking destination on the slopes of the Blorenge, as well as a popular swimming spot during the summer months.
The site is being used as an important operational base for emergency services, dealing with a large fire on Mynydd Garnclochdy, between Blaenavon and Abersychan in Torfaen.
Ongoing blaze for over three weeks
The situation has been ongoing for over three weeks after being first reported on the evening of Sunday, July 19. The blaze has since destroyed hundreds of acres of common land, impacting farmers and residents across the area.
On Monday, August 17, Torfaen Council confirmed that the pond is still being used by services to refill water being dropped by helicopter, however there had been reports of people attempting to swim in the water. The council said on Facebook: "The keepers pond is being used to refill the helicopter and there are some people attempting to swim. Please do not swim or use Keepers Pond today while operations are going."
Military support and drone warning
Blaenavon has seen two major blazes in the last few weeks, including a wildfire in Cwmavon, which is one of the seven significant wildfires that is currently raging in south Wales. As a result the military has been called in to help fire crews.
A spokesperson from Torfaen Council said: "Military personnel and equipment and a helicopter have been deployed to tackle the wildfire in Cwmavon. Please do not fly drones as this interferes with helicopter flights and the fire service drone that is used to direct fire operations. We extend our sincere thanks for the military support and our continued thanks to the firefighters of the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. The efforts of our local famers and commoners have been phenomenal over several weeks."
