A significant grass fire on a mountainside in Rhondda Cynon Taf has resulted in the closure of a major road. The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, along with officers from South Wales Police, are currently present at the fire near the A4233 Maerdy Mountain Road on Monday afternoon.
The fire ignited at approximately 3:45 pm, with a local resident capturing photographs of the smoke engulfing the mountain, clearly visible from the houses below. As a consequence, at 5:30 pm, the road was shut down in both directions, causing traffic to move slowly in the vicinity.
At 5:30 pm, Rhondda Cynon Taf council posted a notice stating, “Please be advised that Maerdy Mountain Road (A4233) will soon be closed due to a fire, following a request from the police. South Wales Police and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are currently present. We kindly request that you avoid the area.”
7:32PM Road remains closed
The road remains closed in both directions and emergency services from South Wales Police and the fire service are still in attendance.
6:50PM Fire clearly visible to residents at foot of mountain
A photograph taken by Kelly George shows the fire is clearly visible to residents at the foot of the mountain. Three crews remain in attendance with police cars stopping motorists from using the road beside the fire.
6:25PM Multiple fire crews at scene of large fire
The road remains closed at the A4233 Maerdy Mountain Road in both directions from Institute Street to Highland Place due to the ongoing fire.
6:12PM Police and fire service in attendance
Eyewitnesses have reported police and the fire service in attendance. Here is a picture from resident Kelly George.