Blaenavon Wildfire: Firefighters Battle Mountain Blaze for Over 24 Hours

Fire crews in South Wales remain on the mountainside near Blaenavon, fighting a significant wildfire that has burned for nearly a full day. The blaze, first reported on Sunday evening, has sent a plume of smoke visible from up to 10 miles away, drawing concern from residents across the region.

Blaenavon Fire and Rescue station crews were mobilised at approximately 8:45pm on Sunday night to the hillside above Cwmavon. As of 5:45pm on Monday, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that firefighters were still at the scene, using beaters and a leaf blower to control the fire under challenging conditions underfoot.

“The crew were mobilised shortly before 8.45pm to a wildfire on the hillside above Cwmavon,” the service stated. “On arrival more resources were requested. Crews faced challenging conditions, especially under foot. Beaters and a leaf blower were used to control the fire. As it stands, a number of resources are in attendance. We’ll keep you updated.”

Smoke Visible Across the Region

The smoke column has been reported by residents in Usk, Raglan, and Crickhowell, as well as in the Abergavenny area. The fire service acknowledged receiving a high volume of calls from concerned members of the public, particularly those who could see the smoke from a distance.

“Crews are continuing to deal with a significant wildfire in the Blaenavon area, and smoke from the incident can be seen up to 10 miles away,” the service said in a public statement. “We are receiving a large number of calls for this incident and we want to reassure residents, particularly those in the Abergavenny area, that we are aware and we are dealing with it.”

Residents affected by the smoke are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed to reduce smoke entering their homes. The fire service has urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work safely.

Two Fires, One Message

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is also attending a separate grass fire in Treherbert, stretching resources. The service has asked the public to keep phone lines free for genuine emergencies, as call operators are experiencing a high volume of calls for both incidents.

“We are currently in attendance at two separate grass fires, one in Treherbert and one in Blaenavon and we're experiencing a high volume of calls,” the service said on social media. “We want to reassure you that we're dealing with both incidents and we appreciate your concern.”

No information has been released about the cause of the Blaenavon wildfire or whether any properties are at risk. The fire service has not confirmed any evacuations or structural damage.

Community Response and Safety Advice

Local residents have been watching the flames since Sunday night, with many waking up Monday morning to see smoke still hanging over the landscape. The fire service has thanked the public for their support and monitoring of the situation but has now asked people to avoid the area and refrain from calling unless they have an emergency.

For those affected by smoke, the advice remains: keep windows and doors shut until conditions improve. Anyone experiencing health issues related to smoke inhalation should seek medical advice.

This incident comes as the UK experiences a period of dry weather, which can increase the risk of wildfires in grassland and moorland areas. The fire service has not indicated how long the operation may continue, but crews remain on site working to bring the blaze under control.

We will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. For real-time updates, visit the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service official website or follow their social media channels.

Wildfire prevention tip: During dry periods, avoid using open flames outdoors, properly dispose of cigarettes, and report any signs of fire immediately to the fire service.