South Wales Firefighters Battle 3-Day Llanwonno Wildfire as Deliberate Fire-Setting Reports Emerge
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 4
South Wales Firefighters Battle 3-Day Llanwonno Wildfire as Deliberate Fire-Setting Reports Emerge
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 4
Summary
South Wales Fire and Rescue said reports of deliberate fire-setting emerged overnight Monday as crews continued battling the Llanwonno mountain wildfire that began Saturday and was declared a major incident on Monday.
Challenging weather — low cloud, mist and rain — has hampered containment, and a specialist firefighting helicopter secured for the blaze could not be deployed.
Crews worked through the night to protect nearby homes, using fire breaks and monitoring the mountain, with officials warning the unpredictable fire could burn for many more days.
No evacuations have been ordered, but a rest centre has opened for residents worried about smoke, while authorities urged people to keep windows shut, avoid the area and respect road closures.
South Wales Police are seeking information on the suspected deliberate ignitions, which residents said worsened smoke, threatened wildlife and stretched emergency services.