Emergency crews are still fighting a significant hillside wildfire believed to have been intentionally ignited.

The fire burning on Llanwonno mountain in the Ferndale area of south Wales triggered an emergency response overnight from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Firefighters toiled through the night in tough conditions to bring the blaze under control and safeguard residential properties.

Although Ferndale remains secure, fire officials have indicated that attention has shifted towards defending Cwmaman and surrounding woodland, with additional attempts to suppress the flames in higher terrain.

The fire service announced that teams continue coordinating with partner organisations to control and extinguish the wildfire on Llanwonno mountain near Ferndale and prevent it spreading further, working to protect neighbouring properties and communities. Personnel battled through the night despite challenging circumstances to tackle the flames and defend buildings. Incident commanders on site have verified that residents in Ferndale continue to be properly protected, with today’s main operational goal focused on defending the Cwmaman side of the mountain while persisting with efforts to suppress the fire in forest and upland areas.

The service also received reports of deliberate fire-setting on the mountain overnight, and anyone with information is being urged to contact South Wales Police or speak with neighbourhood policing units and fire crime teams who will be patrolling the area.

The situation remains classified as a major incident due to the fire’s ongoing scale and difficult conditions on the mountain, including limited visibility caused by low cloud, mist and rain.

A request was submitted for a specialist firefighting helicopter through Natural Resources Wales’ aerial support programme, but poor visibility and rain have so far prevented its deployment.

A restriction on all aircraft, including drones, remains in force to protect emergency workers, and certain road closures continue to be in effect.

Members of the public are being asked to stay away from the affected area to allow emergency services and partner agencies to continue their work safely and effectively.

Those living in impacted areas have been advised to keep windows and doors shut.

The fire service recommends anyone experiencing health problems as a result of smoke exposure to seek appropriate medical advice.