Huge 20ft bonfire in housing estate goes ahead without incident

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said there were no incidents reported

A huge bonfire – measuring about 20ft (6m) high and 80ft (24.3m) wide – which sparked safety fears on a housing estate went ahead on Bonfire Night without incident.

People in Penrhys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, had collected wood for weeks using items including a sofa, mattress and wooden doors, and said the event brought the community together.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said there were no incidents reported in the area on Wednesday, and that it had been made aware of the bonfire "as a precaution".

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council previously said it "does not support unofficial bonfires", while Trivallis, the housing association that owns the land, said it had made the "relevant agencies" aware.

The council is concerned about the potential dangers

The bonfire, which was on a large grassy area within the estate, was estimated to be about 20ft (6m) high and 80ft (24.3m) wide.

Speaking to BBC Wales on Wednesday, while people continued to add to the pile with more items, 18-year-old Taz Rees said it had been "stressful".

Mr Rees said: "We have to get up very early and we are working through the whole day to get to what we have here now."

Locals say the event "brings people together"

An estimated 1,500 people came to the event last year.

"Loads of people come up here and enjoy themselves, we do it for the community. It gives the children some joy," Mr Rees added.

Neil Thomas, a community worker and local resident, said safety was a key concern for organisers and emergency services would "be around on the night to monitor it".

"There's always been bonfires up here but it was a good idea bring it into one area and make it a community event," he said.

"Since they've been doing that it's been brilliant - it brings people together."

Items placed within the bonfire include a sofa and wooden doors

A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: "What might seem like fun can quickly turn into a seriously dangerous situation and anyone attending these events do so at their own risk.

"Over the years we have uncovered many dangerous items in unofficial bonfires, including tyres, mattresses and sofas, which produce toxic fumes, and even half-filled gas cannisters which pose a risk of explosion."

A spokesperson for Trivallis said; 'We've been aware of the community-led event planned for Penrhys for a few weeks and have been in contact with the relevant agencies to ensure they're aware and able to monitor it appropriately.'

Taz Rees said people "get up very early" to build the bonfire