Wildfires spread across Wales after period of dry weather

Firefighters have been dealing with dozens of wildfires across Wales.

The combined South Wales and Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue control room said on Thursday evening that crews have been dealing with 42 different incidents, with a further 20 to be assessed.

A number of crews were sent to a grass fire at Pengarnddu, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, which was first reported at 15:45 GMT and had a fire front of around four to five Kilometres (2.48 to 3.1 miles).

More than 20 firefighters, including a specialist wildfire unit, were also still tackling a large wildfire at Trefriw in Conwy county at 21:30 GMT, which was first reported at 16:47.

Another “significant fire” was reported above Troedyrhiw Terrace, Treorchy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, which will be left to burn overnight as the conditions are unsafe to tackle the fire in the dark.

The wildfires across the country follow several dry and sunny days, but the conditions are expected to become unsettled over the weekend as a low pressure system moves in from the south west.

A majority of the other incidents reported have only required a single fire appliance, but control rooms have been inundated with calls, often repeats to the same incident.

In north Wales, firefighters have been dealing with a large wildfire in the Carrog area near Corwen, Denbighshire, which can be seen for many miles.

Residents in the Trawsfynydd and Bronaber areas of Gwynedd are being urged to keep windows and doors closed due to a large amount of smoke from a separate grass fire.

It is the second in the area this week.

In a statement, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service reminded landowners carrying out controlled burns to do so responsibly and to always inform fire officers in advance.