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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Branwen Jones

Large wildfire rips into forest as it burns overnight

Photos show the scale of a wildfire that has been burning for two days. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that they received reports of a wildfire near Llanover Road in Blaenavon at approximately 11.09pm on Wednesday.

Crews attended the scene and managed the fire until the early hours before withdrawing due to severe winds and poor ground conditions. Following a reinspection, which took place at 7.30am on Thursday, the crews returned to the scene alongside partner agencies.

The fire and rescue service confirmed that the incident was still ongoing on Thursday and that the fire has been classed as a category two wildfire. They have also thanked members of the public for their calls and cooperation.

Read more: Met Office issues thunderstorm warning for all of Wales

In a statement published on Thursday a spokesman for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "At approximately 11.09pm on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, we received reports of a wildfire near Llanover Road in Blaenavon.

The incident was still ongoing into Thursday according to the fire and rescue service (Mikey Crowley)
The fire has been classed as a category two wildfire (Mikey Crowley)

"Crews attended the scene and managed the fire until the early hours before withdrawing due to severe winds and poor ground conditions. A reinspection of the scene was requested for 7.30am on Thursday, June 8, 2023.

"Following the reinspection crews returned to the scene alongside partner agencies. Firefighters are utilising specialist equipment including leaf blowers, fire beaters, and knapsack sprayers to manage the fire. Tactical officers are also in attendance and the fire has been classed as a category two wildfire.

"This incident is ongoing. We would like to thank members of the public for their calls and cooperation."

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