LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
Firefighters Combat Wildfires Across Wales as Blaze Spreads
Significant wildfires, including a 20-hectare blaze at Mynydd Gelliwastad Mountain, challenged emergency services across multiple regions in Wales.
20 March 2025 · 02:50 UTC
Fire crews from Morriston, Pontardawe, and Neath, part of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, were deployed to extinguish the fire, which broke out at approximately 7:09 PM and was brought under control by 11:12 PM.
Local resident Claire Kempster, who lives in Craig-cefn-parc, above Clydach, noted that wildfires had been frequent in the area over the past week, with similar incidents occurring the previous year.
She indicated that both land management practices, particularly by farmers clearing gorse bushes, and accidental ignitions could be contributing factors to the fires.
Last week, she reported that a fire approached within approximately 300 meters of her home, prompting her husband to contact the fire brigade for assistance.
Throughout Wales, firefighters were engaged in multiple other incidents, including a large grass fire near Ferndale and Maerdy mountain, alongside smaller fires in Caerphilly, Ogmore Vale, Gelli Pentre, and Fairwood Common in Swansea.
A representative from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service described the situation as “pretty non-stop,” indicating a high demand for fire response resources.
Additionally, the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service reported involvement in a gorse fire on the same night, including a substantial incident at Garreg Fawr in Llanfairfechan, which was permitted to burn out naturally.
Emergency responders are expected to continue monitoring the situation as conditions remain dry and susceptible to wildfires.