Firefighters battling a significant mountain blaze in South Wales are now facing reports of deliberate fire-setting, authorities have confirmed.
The extensive fire, which ignited on Saturday afternoon at Llanwonno, near Ferndale in the Rhondda Valley, has kept emergency services at the scene for days.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (Swfrs) said that "deliberate fire-setting" was reported on the mountain overnight on Monday, even as crews continued their efforts to contain the existing inferno.
The incident remains classified as a major one, owing to the sheer scale of the blaze and the "challenging conditions" faced by responders.
A spokesperson for Swfrs said: “South Wales Fire and Rescue Service continues to work with partner agencies to contain and extinguish the wildfire on Llanwonno mountain in Ferndale and prevent further spread, helping to protect nearby properties and communities.
“There were reports of deliberate fire-setting on the mountain last night. We ask anyone with information to call South Wales Police.
“Firefighters worked throughout the night in challenging conditions to tackle the fire and protect properties.
“The incident remains a major incident due to the ongoing scale of the wildfire and challenging conditions on the mountain, including poor visibility caused by today’s low cloud, mist and rain.”
A specialist firefighting helicopter has been secured to help crews fight the blaze but cannot be deployed due to poor weather conditions, Swfrs said.
Locals have not been forced to evacuate but a rest centre has been set up for people who do not wish to stay at home because of poor air quality.
A spokesperson for Swfrs added: “Residents affected by smoke are advised to keep windows and doors closed where possible.
“Anyone experiencing health concerns as a result of smoke exposure should seek appropriate medical advice.
“Some road closures remain in place and members of the public are asked to avoid the affected area to allow emergency services and partner agencies to continue their work safely and effectively.”
Anyone with information about fire-setting on the mountain can contact South Wales Police on 101, report anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or speak to the Neighbourhood Policing Team or Fire Crime Team, who will be patrolling the area.
