Overview
- A wildfire above Blaenavon that began on Sunday evening has expanded to over 200 hectares with a roughly 5km perimeter and remains active, fire service updates say.
- South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is conducting round‑the‑clock ground operations using controlled burns, fire breaks, i‑cutters, drones and water bowsers with support from Natural Resources Wales and local farmers.
- The Welsh Government has activated crisis management arrangements and officials say no UK aerial support is available, so crews are expected to continue fighting the fire on the ground for several days.
- Shifting winds have carried thick smoke into Cardiff, Newport, Caerphilly, Nantyglo and Brynmawr and Public Health Wales has advised people to keep windows and doors closed and follow guidance if they have breathing problems.
- The incident adds pressure to a wider Southern Europe wildfire season that has forced mass evacuations, killed firefighters in Italy and France and is being linked by scientists and leaders to heatwaves and climate change.