Wildfire size of 300 football pitches on mountain

The blaze began on Friday 9 June but reignited four days later, on Tuesday

A large wildfire the size of about 300 football pitches is being tackled by firefighters on a mountain.

Crews have been tackling the blaze on Rhigos in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which began at 18:00 BST on Friday 9 June and reignited on Tuesday.

One line at outdoor attraction Zip World Tower had to close.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service asked people to avoid the area.

The blaze on Rhigos mountain reignited on Tuesday

A mountain road was closed because of smoke

It is one of several wildfires being dealt with by fire crews across Wales.

One in Pantside near Newbridge in Newport began at about midday on Friday and another in Pontycymmer in Bridgend county at about 15:00 on Tuesday.

Another wildfire at Tir-Phil in Caerphilly county flared up at about 11:00 on Wednesday and one in Ogmore Vale just before 13:00 on Thursday.

Residents have been advised to keep doors and windows closed.

Access to the A4061 Rhigos mountain road, linking Bridgend with Hirwaun via the Ogmore and Rhondda valleys, was closed at 13:00 on Wednesday, but later reopened.

A wildfire covering the equivalent of 300 football pitches is being tackled at Rhigos

Sally Davies of Natural Resources Wales said: “Our officers have been working with South Wales Fire and Rescue since we became aware of the current fire on Rhigos mountain on Tuesday.

“Controlled burning and fire breaks are being used to slow the spread of the fire which now covers around 40 hectares. Several fire engines and sprinter vans have been brought in to assist with controlling the blaze, as well as a helicopter."

She said efforts were ongoing to stop it spreading towards the infrastructure of Zip World Tower.

Posting to Facebook, photographer Garan Thomas wrote that it was "the worst wildfire" he had ever seen, "right on my doorstep".

"These are some of the most powerful images I've ever photographed, the most gorgeous colours in the most devastating situation," he said.

"South Wales Fire were doing an amazing job deploying the helicopter and fire beaters, keeping everyone safe while also providing a safe place to view the event unfolding.”

Posting to its Facebook page, Zip World Tower said: "Due to an ongoing situation with localised wildfires, one of our Phoenix zip lines (Alpha line) at the Zip World Tower site has been closed due to its access road being shut.

"Other attractions at the site including Phoenix Bravo line, Tower Coaster, Tower Climber and Tower Flyer are unaffected and currently remain open."

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said its staff were facing "dangerous and challenging conditions" across the region and had been "inundated" with wildfire calls in recent weeks.

A spokesperson said: "Crews have been working tirelessly across our service area to manage and prevent wildfires from spreading and causing further damage and disruption to our communities.

"These fires put significant pressure on our operational resources, as well as posing a risk to life, property and the environment.

"As the summer months and dry conditions persist, it is crucial that members of the public are aware of the associated dangers and take the necessary precautions to prevent wildfires."

Craig Hope, wildfires tactical adviser at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said there was a strain on resources and that "fire engines can’t be in two places at once”.

Mr Hope, who helped teams tackle the blaze on Tuesday, added: "We will always have resources available to respond to property fires”.

From 1 April to 11 June 2023, the service has responded to almost 400 deliberate grass and wildfires that have destroyed natural habitats and caused significant damage.

Meanwhile, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it was tackling fires in the following areas:

• Wildfire in Soar y Mynydd, Ceredigion

• Wildfire at Angle, Pembroke Dock

• Grass fire on Pantmawr Mountain, Abercrave

• Grass fire in Llanddewi Brefi, Ceredigion

• Fire in open at Coelbren, Abercrave

• Grass fire in Cynwyl Elfed, near Gwili Railway tracks, Carmarthen