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Helicopter tackles 'challenging' moorland wildfire major incident

Nicholas BourneBBC Wales
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service Aerial view of smoke over a wide area of charred moorlandSouth Wales Fire and Rescue Service
Wind conditions are making the blaze a challenge, according to South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

A moorland wildfire has been declared a major incident due the number of resources required to fight it, including a helicopter.

It is helping crews who have been fighting the blaze near Llangynidr Reservoir, Ebbw Vale in Blaenau Gwent, since Saturday.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) said conditions had been a "challenge due to the wind".

Its firefighters have been assisting teams from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service in tackling the blaze overnight.

Stephen Davies / The Photoshop Guy Aerial view shows a huge swathe of moorland ablaze with a reservoir in the foregroundStephen Davies / The Photoshop Guy
Photographer Stephen Davies used a zoom lense to capture the blaze from a distance

Specialist contractors and partner agencies have also been involved in the operation.

Appliances including all-terrain vehicles and high-volume pumps have also been brought in.

"As part of our ongoing assessment of the incident, weather conditions and the resources needed, a specialist firefighting helicopter is now supporting crews on the ground," SWFRS said on Sunday afternoon.

"We expect to be at the scene for a few days and we will continue to review our response daily as conditions change."

Llangynidr Road has been closed and Dyfed-Powys Police advised people to avoid the area.

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