Mountain Blaze Rages in Rhondda Valley Amid Deliberate Fire-Setting Claims
Emergency services battle challenging conditions in Llanwonno as separate Ely fire prompts police investigation.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
A significant mountain blaze continues to burn in Llanwonno, near Ferndale in the Rhondda Valley, South Wales.
Low cloud, mist, and rain prevent its deployment.
Firefighters worked through the night, battling challenging conditions to protect properties, a South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson confirmed.
The incident remains a major event due to the wildfire's ongoing scale and the difficult mountain conditions, including poor visibility caused by today’s low cloud, mist, and rain, the spokesperson added.
No forced evacuations have occurred; however, a rest center stands ready for those concerned about air quality.
Residents affected by smoke should keep windows and doors closed where possible, a South Wales Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson confirmed. Anyone experiencing health concerns from smoke exposure must seek appropriate medical advice, the spokesperson advised.
Some road closures persist as firefighters contend with the difficult conditions.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service claims deliberate fire-setting was reported on the mountain overnight on Monday. Christian Hadfield also claimed reports of pockets of deliberate fire setting.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service indicated that Reports of deliberate fire-setting on the mountain last night demand action; we ask anyone with information to call South Wales Police.
Separately, South Wales Police attended Archer Road, Ely, following a report that a fire had been started deliberately in the recreation ground on Monday evening.
A fire reportedly broke out near a children's play area in Ely, Cardiff, on Monday evening, with crews extinguishing it using a hose reel by approximately 22:03.
A crowd had gathered, but no one provided further information on how the fire started.
The Ely Community Centre claimed the fire in Ely on August 3 was arguably the biggest blaze they had ever seen in the area.
This evening saw arguably the biggest fire deliberately set in the field beyond Ely Recreation Ground.
Natural Resources Wales has declared a drought across Wales, urging the public to take extra care outdoors to prevent fires.
A temporary no-fly zone, including for drones, is in effect over the Llanwonno mountain area. Communities in Ferndale are reportedly well protected.