A huge fire was seen burning for several hours near homes in Abertridwr. Local residents were advised to close their windows while firefighters tackled the blaze on Monday.
The fire started in the evening, with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service crews on the scene working to tackle the blaze. It is believed that the fire was brought under control in a couple of hours.
It is not yet known what caused the fire on the mountain. Local residents described their fear that the blaze will harm wildlife and reach their homes.
READ MORE: The devastating aftermath of a huge wildfire on Welsh mountainside
Local residents were advised to close doors and windows due to the amount of smoke being generated. A tweet at 10.30pm from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service read: "Crews are currently in attendance at a large fire on the mountain above Abertridwr. Due to the smoke being generated, residents are advised to close doors and windows."
A later statement from a South Wales Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "At approximately 7.25pm on Monday the 21st of March 2022, we received reports of a grass fire in Abertridwr, Caerphilly. Several crews from across South Wales attended the scene and used specialist equipment including hose reel jets and beaters to extinguish the fire."
The fire was across approximately 12 hectares. Crews were able to extinguish the flames by 10.45pm.
Abertridwr resident Jana Riska Shakespeare posted on Facebook: "I know others have put photos up, but my children have been terrified tonight that the fire is going to burn down someone's home or hurt animals. I'm so angry watching the entire mountain burning tonight!"
Other residents shared their concerns in a local Abertridwr Facebook group. Many were worried about the local wildlife, while others said it was the worst blaze they have seen in years.
Gill Davies commented: "Rabbits, squirrels, foxes, badgers, all have babies up there right now let alone any livestock grazing there."
Natalie Offside said: "I have a 7-year-old little boy so scared to go to bed in case he sets on fire in his sleep because a huge fire is so close to his home."
Leigh Curtis said: "It hasn’t been this close to the houses for many years and to see the birds flying from the trees last minute was heartbreaking, so many nests with fledglings would’ve perished this evening as well as other wildlife."
Angela Collins said: "I've been up here 22 years, seen loads of fires. This one was the worst ever. The people that were coming up the street to see it was unbelievable."
