A fire on Llangyndir Moors near a reservoir has been declared a major incident due the number of resources required to fight it, including a helicopter.

It is helping crews who have been fighting the blaze near Llangynidr Reservoir, Ebbw Vale in Blaenau Gwent, since Saturday.

Fire crews have been at the scene all weekend and have been containing the spread. A specialist firefighting helicopter was deployed yesterday, (Sunday) to help with the effort and will return today to support firefighters, contractors and farmers by reaching difficult terrain.

But now, people from further afield are also being warned to take extra care.

“The wind direction changed Sunday and communities towards Blaenavon, Brynmawr, Pontypool and Newport were affected by the smoke” a spokesperson from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said.

They added conditions had been a "challenge due to the wind".

“We still expect to be at the scene for a few days and we will continue to review our response daily as conditions change. Llangynidr Road and other local roads maybe closed, please follow the diversions in place to support the emergency services with the space they need to fight the fire.”

“Please continue to:

• Avoid flying drones in the area as they can affect emergency operations,

• Keep windows and doors closed if you are affected by smoke and seek medical advice if needed,

• Stay away from the area to allow emergency services to work safely.”

Local roads, including Llangynidr Mountain road, remain closed to support the emergency services and give them the space they need. Local diversions which may cause congestion are in place.