Smoke for miles as crews fight major Blaenavon wildfire
Firefighters are still battling a major wildfire near Blaenavon after it broke out on Sunday evening, with smoke visible for up to 10 miles and reported as far as Usk, Raglan and Crickhowell. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service has urged residents to keep windows closed and avoid the area while crews work.
Key Takeaways
- A significant wildfire on the hillside above Cwmavon, near Blaenavon, started Sunday evening and was still burning almost 24 hours later.
- Smoke has been seen up to 10 miles away, including from Abergavenny, Usk, Raglan and Crickhowell.
- South Wales Fire and Rescue Service asked the public to keep emergency lines free amid a high volume of calls.
- Residents are advised to close windows and doors and avoid the area while crews remain on scene.
- The fire service has not released a cause or confirmed whether properties are at risk.
What is happening in Blaenavon right now?
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is continuing to tackle a significant wildfire in the Blaenavon area. According to local reporting, crews from Blaenavon Fire and Rescue station were mobilised shortly before 8.45pm on Sunday to a blaze on the hillside above Cwmavon.
Concerned residents watched flames near the road between Blaenavon and Varteg. By Monday evening, almost 24 hours after the fire started, the service confirmed firefighters were still fighting the mountainside blaze. The Wales 247 report said smoke from the incident can be seen up to 10 miles away.
On arrival, more resources were requested. Crews faced challenging conditions underfoot and used beaters and a leaf blower to help control the fire. Multiple fire crews remained in attendance as the incident continued.
Why can people see the smoke so far away?
The fire service said it received a large number of calls from worried members of the public, particularly in the Abergavenny area, where the smoke plume was clearly visible. Residents also reported seeing smoke from as far away as Usk, Raglan and Crickhowell.
Officials moved to reassure the public that they were aware of the blaze and dealing with it. At the same time, the service said it was attending two separate grass fires — one in Treherbert and one in Blaenavon — and asked people to keep call lines free for other emergencies.
Anyone affected by smoke has been told to keep windows and doors closed to reduce the amount entering their homes, and to avoid the area where possible so emergency teams can work safely.
Has the cause of the Blaenavon wildfire been confirmed?
No. The fire service has not yet released information about the cause of the wildfire, and it has not confirmed whether any properties are at risk. Coverage for our Celebrity Breaking News readers will stay with verified updates only as those details emerge.
Separately, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it has seen a significant increase in accidental garden fires spreading to properties. It urged people to avoid lighting fires in prolonged hot weather, keep barbecues away from buildings, never leave fires unattended, avoid accelerants, and dispose of household waste correctly.
For now, the priority remains the ongoing Blaenavon response: crews on the mountain, smoke across a wide area, and residents asked to stay clear while firefighters work to bring the blaze under control.