A major incident has been declared as firefighters continue to battle wildfires in the Brecon Beacons, a renowned Welsh beauty spot. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) confirmed the declaration on Tuesday, as crews from multiple stations worked to contain the blaze that has been burning since Monday afternoon.
Firefighting Efforts Intensify
Around 50 firefighters from SWFRS, along with support from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, have been deployed to tackle the fire near the village of Cray, in Powys. The fire has spread across approximately 1,000 acres of grassland and heathland, with flames visible from miles away. Aerial support, including a helicopter from the National Police Air Service, has been used to water-bomb the affected areas.
According to SWFRS, the fire is believed to have started accidentally, possibly due to a discarded cigarette or campfire. The service has urged the public to avoid the area and to refrain from using open flames in the countryside during the ongoing dry spell.
Community and Environmental Impact
The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has expressed concern over the damage to the ecosystem, which includes rare habitats for birds and insects. Local residents have been advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke, and several footpaths have been closed as a precaution. A temporary road closure has been put in place on the A4067 between Cray and Sennybridge.
“The safety of our communities and firefighters is our top priority,” said a SWFRS spokesperson. “We are working tirelessly to bring the fire under control and prevent further spread. We ask everyone to follow our advice and stay away from the area.”
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Firefighters are expected to remain on the scene for several days, with a significant number of resources committed to the incident. The Welsh Government has offered support, and Natural Resources Wales is monitoring air quality in the region. The public is urged to report any new fires immediately and to follow safety guidelines.
