Fires started 'deliberately' on mountain as crews tackle blaze

Firefighters have been battling a wildfire on Llanwonno mountain near Ferndale in the Rhondda Valley since the weekend. The blaze ignited on Saturday afternoon, and emergency services are still on the scene. The fire remains a major incident due to its size and the challenging conditions on the mountain, which include low cloud, mist, and rain.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) reported on Monday that there were accounts of deliberate fire setting on the mountain while crews continued their efforts to contain the blaze. Although residents have not been evacuated, a rest center has been established for those who prefer not to stay home due to the poor air quality.

SWFRS spokespersons have been coordinating with partner agencies to contain and extinguish the wildfire and prevent its spread, protecting nearby properties and communities. On Monday night, residents expressed concern over the fire's proximity to their homes, with some experiencing difficulty breathing due to thick smoke.

Ian Putland, a resident, stated that he could smell the fire even with his windows closed, and he was frustrated that the fire had been started deliberately. The incident's wildlife loss, danger to people, and the strain on emergency services further aggravated his frustration. Christian Hadfield, area manager at SWFRS, confirmed that crews had been working at the incident since Saturday and declared it a major incident on Monday to protect homes in the area.

Hadfield mentioned that pockets of deliberate fire setting had put crews under critical conditions, stretching the service and making the firefighting work unpredictable and complex. A specialist firefighting helicopter was secured to assist the crews, but poor weather conditions prevented its deployment. SWFRS advised residents to keep windows and doors closed to minimize smoke exposure and urged them to avoid the affected area.

Anyone with information regarding the deliberate fire setting is asked to contact South Wales Police.