Wales wildfires: Military deployed and arson arrests made

On Friday, Stephen Kinnock, Secretary of State for Wales, said military personnel had been deployed for logistical support and to help “ease the pressure on the ground”.

Despite cooler temperatures on Saturday, crews across Wales are continuing to battle fires.

Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS) said crews had spent more than 90 hours on “operational incidents” in Llanwrtyd Wells, Merthyr Tydfil and Ebbw Vale.

“It has been tough, however, we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received during this time,” the service said, thanking local businesses “that have kept us fuelled with food and drinks”.

Residents had been evacuated from their homes after a fire near Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, with a councillor describing the situation as “scary”, as the fire made its way towards the village.

On Saturday, MWWFRS said firefighters remained at the scene and were continuing to “make progress in responding” to the fire, describing it as a “challenging and dynamic incident”.

A fire was also seen above Cwm, Ebbw Vale on Friday evening.

Sallie Jones, a spokesperson for Cwm Task Force, said the community has been working together.

“If it was a different wind direction, it could have been total devastation,” she said.

“The whole village was fearful, with people calling up last night asking us if they were safe to sleep there.

“That’s what we’re here for, reassurance and being there as a community.”