SMOKE from the Blaenavon wildfire has been reported as far as Cardiff and Caerphilly and parts of Monmouthshire, including Raglan. Firefighters continue working hard to bring the incident to a safe close which has been ongoing since Sunday July 19.

Following a change in wind direction the fire service have reassured the community that crews are working hard to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

The fire service issued its latest statement at around 3am this morning.

“We are aware that smoke from the ongoing incident in Blaenavon is continuing to affect communities across South Wales, if you are in an affected area, please keep your windows and doors closed.

Smoke coming from the other side of the Blorenge
Smoke coming from the other side of the Blorenge (Iliffe Media )
Smoke coming from wildfire in Blaenavon this morning
Smoke coming from wildfire in Blaenavon this morning (Iliffe Media )

“Our crews are still at the scene, tackling the fire and working to bring the incident to a safe close.”

They provided drone footage of the wildfire which they said has been an integral part of their firefighting operation.

“Our specialist drone pilot is able to live stream a birds-eye view of the fire to our control room and command suite, which helps inform our strategy and tactics on the incident ground.”

Senedd Member for the constituency, Matthew Jones MS, has said that he’s been told the fire is expected to last at least days longer.

“I’m very grateful to Anthony Hunt, the leader of Torfaen Council for giving me this update I can share regarding the fires above Lasgarn / Blaenavon,” he said.

“The fire is deep-seated and likely to last for another few days, fuelled by very dry vegetation and difficulty getting to the fire because of the location. Thank you to the community who have been providing food and drink to the fire fighters. People are still being encouraged to close windows and take care of vulnerable people.”