A mountain in Wales was left in a charred mess as grassfires burned through the night recently. The Welsh countryside has been heavily affected by numerous grass fires in the past few days, leaving blackened landscapes in their wake. The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service responded to a fire on the mountain near Treorchy in the Rhondda, known locally as the W, behind Troedyrhiw Terrace, early one Thursday afternoon. The fire, which could be seen from miles away, proved too dangerous to tackle overnight, forcing firefighters to pause their efforts.
The wildfire, which ravaged approximately 199 hectares of white grass, bracken, gorse, and trees, was captured in aerial photos that depicted the scale of the devastation. Despite continued battle throughout the evening, it was decided that the conditions were too unsafe to continue the firefighting operations throughout the night. On Monday morning, small hot spots were still burning, prompting the fire service to conduct further inspections throughout the day. In addition to the Treorchy fire, crews also responded to grass fires in Glifach Goch, Dowlais in Merthyr Tydfil, and Glyntawe in Powys.
The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service faced a significant challenge as crews tackled 24 fires in one night, after receiving 300 calls about grass fires. Matt Jones, Head of Operations at SWFRS, highlighted the strenuous and demanding period for their team due to multiple wildfires across South Wales. Jones emphasised the dangers wildfires pose to firefighters, communities, wildlife, and the environment. SWFRS’s Arson Reduction Teams are collaborating with South Wales Police and Gwent Police to investigate and hold those responsible for the fires accountable.
While efforts were made to control the blaze, multiple crews from different regions were involved in extinguishing the fire on the mountain near Treorchy. The intense heat of the fire left a lasting mark on the landscape, with charred remnants visible from a distance. The fire service reminded the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities to prevent future wildfires.
The aftermath of the fire serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that wildfires pose and the importance of fire prevention measures. Fires of this magnitude not only endanger lives and properties but also have a lasting impact on the environment and wildlife. The collaborative efforts of firefighting teams and law enforcement are crucial in investigating the causes of these fires and ensuring those responsible are held accountable. It is imperative for communities to stay alert and work together to protect the Welsh countryside from the devastating effects of wildfires.